Kris Boyd has launched a fierce attack on Celtic’s recruitment following their 2-0 defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice, singling out two wide players in particular as evidence of a deeply flawed transfer strategy.
The result leaves Celtic six points behind leaders Hearts, and Martin O’Neill’s side were criticised heavily at full time for a toothless display that fell well short of what a club of Celtic’s stature should be producing. Boyd was the most vocal of the Sky Sports pundit team, which also included Aiden McGeady and James McFadden, and he directed his most pointed criticism at the calibre of players brought in to strengthen the wide areas.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha arrived from Royal Antwerp last summer for £5 million and has started only three matches from 14 appearances, making almost no impact on the campaign. Joel Mvuka, signed on loan from Lorient, has looked completely out of his depth during his two outings and has drawn criticism from supporters and analysts in equal measure. Boyd noted that Celtic had actually tried to sign Mvuka on a permanent basis for around £3.5 million on deadline day before he failed his medical, a detail that left the former Rangers striker visibly incredulous.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Boyd questioned where Balikwisha even is in terms of involvement, and said the club should consider themselves fortunate that the Mvuka deal had not been completed permanently. His overall verdict was blunt: Celtic have spent money, the signings have been poor, and performances like the one at Tannadice are the natural consequence of bringing in players who are simply not good enough for a club competing at the level Celtic should be.