Celtic’s frustrating January transfer window has taken another disappointing turn after Fabrizio Romano confirmed fresh bad news for the Hoops.
There is no denying that the winter window is a difficult period to do business. Prices rise, clubs are reluctant to sell, and options can be limited. Still, it is hard to escape the feeling that Celtic are making things far tougher than they need to be.
So far, the club’s only business has been the loan signing of Julian Araujo from Bournemouth, who arrived for the remainder of the season. While the move adds depth, it does little to address the most glaring issue in the squad.
Going into January, everyone knew reinforcements were badly needed, particularly in attack. Even interim manager Martin O’Neill has repeatedly acknowledged this in interviews. But as the weeks roll on, those public calls for new signings are beginning to sound uncomfortably familiar to Celtic supporters, echoing past windows where talk failed to translate into action.
With the clock ticking and only a couple of weeks remaining, there is still little evidence of real progress. If anything, Celtic’s shortlist appears to be shrinking by the day.
Kyogo has remained at Birmingham City. Franko Kovačević now seems destined for Ferencváros. And now, another widely discussed target has officially been ruled out.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Callum Wilson will not be leaving West Ham United this month. The decision has already been made by the club’s hierarchy, with no plans to part ways during the current window.
Wilson had been heavily linked with Celtic amid rumours that West Ham could consider terminating his contract. Those suggestions have now been firmly put to bed. In fact, the English striker may have secured his future at the London club after scoring a dramatic 93rd-minute winner against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
For Celtic, the implication is clear. Another potential striker is no longer an option.
That leaves supporters asking the same question they have been asking all month. Who exactly is left?
Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana continues to be mentioned, but having already rejected a move to Parkhead in the summer, it remains unclear whether his stance has changed. Bundesliga names such as Union Berlin’s Andrej Ilić and Wolfsburg forward Jonas Wind have also been floated in the media, though concrete movement has been hard to spot.
Closer to home, Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise is increasingly being viewed as the most realistic target, especially given the lack of progress elsewhere.
As things stand, Celtic are running out of time, options, and patience from the fanbase. With key gaps still unfilled and names being crossed off the list almost daily, pressure is building on the club’s decision-makers to finally deliver before the window closes.
Whether that happens, or whether this becomes another January defined by missed opportunities, remains to be seen.