The coming weeks of the January transfer window could prove decisive in shaping who lifts the Premiership trophy in May.
Hearts have set the pace for much of the campaign, while both Celtic and Rangers have endured their fair share of humiliating moments along the way.
However, there is no doubt that the Scottish title race remains a three-horse contest, and on Open Goal it was suggested that Rangers’ and Hearts’ activity in the transfer market would be more reliable than that of the reigning champions.
That viewpoint didn’t sit well with James McFadden, who was keen to correct the narrative.
Celtic, Rangers and Hearts’ transfer recruitment
The debate centred on the title race and the idea that Celtic will fail to retain the league if they don’t strengthen their squad during this window.
It was at this point that Si Ferry claimed you would “back” the recruitment strategies of Hearts and Rangers ahead of Celtic’s current approach.
McFadden, though, was quick to highlight Celtic’s strong track record in the market over recent years, pointing to their ability to sign players, improve them, and eventually sell them on for significant profits.
Gordon Dalziel: “What I am saying, if we are sitting right now, and by the way, they are still getting results and clean sheets. You can argue that Martin will get them through games.
“But they won’t win the league with that squad. There is no chance they will win the league with that squad.”
Si Ferry: “But you would back Hearts’ recruitment and Rangers’ recruitment over Celtic’s now.”
Derek Ferguson: “Definitely.”
Dalziel: “Oh, 100%.”
McFadden: “Based on the summer, aye. But overall, you have to say Celtic’s recruitment has been top draw. Overall. Over the years.
“Buying the players, and making them better. Selling them on for big money. But this summer was a poor summer. Poor transfer window, it started with the decision to sell Kyogo last January and not replace him.
“The recruitment over the summer has been miles off it.”
Celtic’s best signings since 2020
Make no mistake about it, Celtic have made a complete mess of things this season, leaving Martin O’Neill with the task of repairing the damage.
That said, since 2020 the Celtic Park support has enjoyed watching a number of high-quality players arrive, excite supporters, and help deliver silverware — including a Treble under Ange Postecoglou.
Below is a selection of Celtic’s standout signings from that period.
Carl Starfelt
Kyogo Furuhashi
Matt O’Riley
Giorgos Giakoumakis
Reo Hatate
Daizen Maeda
Joe Hart
Alistair Johnston
Liam Scales
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Aaron Mooy
Nicolas Kuhn
Jota