Celtic ‘Accelerate’ Four Transfer Targets

Journalist Scott Burns delivered a clear picture of Celtic’s transfer thinking a day after the 2-2 draw at Tynecastle.

The game itself was draining, both physically and mentally, with Auston Trusty sent off late on. That moment has sharpened the focus inside the club as the window moves into its final week.

Celtic left Edinburgh still chasing the league leaders and still short in key areas. The squad has been stretched by domestic pressure and European demands. With only seven days left, there is little room for delay.

Defence has become the main concern. Trusty’s red card highlighted how thin Celtic are at centre-back once injuries and suspensions are factored in. Even before that moment, there was a sense the balance was not quite right.

Recruitment has already been cautious this month. Tomas Cvancara and Julian Araujo are the only new face through the doors, and that has increased the scrutiny on what comes next. Burns’ update suggests movement is coming, but not at the pace some supporters expected.

He said: (RecordSport), “Yes, Celtic will add again. Another central defender has become a priority.

“They wanted to bring another centre half in and that will now be accelerated after Auston Trusty’s red card.

“Shaun Maloney and the recruitment team are primarily looking at loans or loans with options in the first instance. I don’t see Celtic making too many permanent signings in this window.

“They have brought back Stephen Welsh back from Motherwell but it doesn’t look like he is going to get his chance under Martin O’Neill.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if another goalkeeper and a winger or attacking midfielder was brought in. There should be one or two arrivals before the close of the window. I would also expect Welsh to return to Motherwell if Celtic can get an early deal done.”

The emphasis on loans fits with how Celtic have worked in recent winters. Short-term deals allow cover without long commitments, especially when the summer rebuild is already in view. It also reflects how tight the margins are with time running out.

Welsh’s situation is another sign of that caution. His return from Motherwell has not led to a clear role at Celtic Park. If he does head back out again, it would underline how little faith there is in him as a solution right now.

The mention of a goalkeeper points to another quiet issue. Kasper Schmeichel has had shaky moments, but depth behind him is thin. One injury or suspension would leave Celtic exposed during a packed run of games.

A winger or attacking midfielder would also make sense given the workload on the wide players. Rotation has been limited, and fatigue has shown in recent matches. Fresh legs could help manage that without changing the core of the side.

With seven days left, the margin for error is small. Celtic are still in the title race and still alive in Europe, but the squad is walking a fine line. What happens next will shape how much ground they can realistically make up before the season turns again.