Lots to do before September

After two significant departures in the form of Aaron Mooy and Jota, Celtic’s incoming transfers rose to four yesterday with confirmation of five-year deals for Koreans Kwon Hyeok-kyu (22) and Yang Hyun-jun (21).  Marco Tilio (21) and Odin Thiago Holm (20) arrived earlier this month.  German-born Polish defender Maik Nawrocki (22) is in town and will hopefully be confirmed soon.

That’s two nailed-on starters out the door and soon-to-be five players whom none of us can vouch for in.  Anyone outside of Celtic who tells you we are either stronger or weaker than last season is betraying their secret desires.  Those involved in the transfer decision making process will have at least a modicum of doubt.  Most of us just trust the process and hope.

The most I’ll say is that we are in good shape for next month’s home games against Ross County and St Johnstone and the trip to Aberdeen.  September brings three away games and our first Champions League group stage match.  We have a lot of work to do between now and then, not necessarily in the transfer market.  All of the new arrivals have a significant amount of settling into Celtic to get through between now and then.