Celtic Target Ball-Winning Midfielder for January

Celtic are already working towards strengthening their midfield in January, with a ball-winning midfielder high on the club’s recruitment agenda, CeltsAreHere understands.

The need for more physicality through the middle has come under heavy scrutiny following Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox.

Martin O’Neill admitted afterwards that Rangers looked “physically stronger” than Celtic, with the Hoops struggling to gain control in midfield for much of the afternoon.

However, CeltsAreHere understands Celtic’s desire to add a different profile in that area did not begin with the defeat at Ibrox.

The club attempted to bring in a ball-winning midfielder during the summer transfer window after identifying the position as an area they wanted to strengthen.

A potential move did not materialise after the financial demands surrounding the deal increased, with the player eventually moving elsewhere.

Celtic have therefore been left without the type of midfielder they had hoped to add before the window closed.

Attention has now turned towards January.

CeltsAreHere understands work is already taking place on possible options, with Celtic keen to add greater ball-winning ability and physical presence to the middle of the pitch.

The club are also determined not to rush into a signing simply because of what happened at Ibrox.

The priority will be finding a player who fits what Celtic require and can make a proper difference to the squad.

Sunday’s performance only brought the issue into sharper focus.

Celtic were unable to match Rangers physically through the middle, while O’Neill’s side struggled to win the ball back quickly enough once possession was lost.

Callum McGregor, Mika Baur and Benjamin Nygren all started at Ibrox, but the balance of the midfield has become a major talking point following the defeat.

There is an acceptance that further work is required on the squad, and midfield is an area Celtic intend to address.

The summer opportunity may have disappeared, but the search has not.

Celtic are already looking ahead to January as they attempt to add the ball-winning presence currently missing from O’Neill’s midfield options.