POSTECOGLOU TRANSFER RAID REVEAL
ANGE POSTECOGLOU has revealed Celtic have kick-started their transfer plans for January.
The manager also admits the club have already sounded out targets as he plots another raid on Japan following the success of £4.6million striker Kyogo Furuhashi who has scored seven goals in nine starts.
Postecoglou acknowledges the squad is light on frontmen after being left with only Albian Ajeti as his only fit attack leader for a few games.
The club needs strengthened elsewhere, despite 12 new players joining the Greek-Australian’s Parkhead rebuild in the summer.
The Hoops gaffer said: “It’s no secret we still need to add to the squad. We were never going to do it in one transfer window, especially when you look at the significant exits we had.
JANUARY SALES…Ange Postecoglou is planning ahead for a transfer raid at the turn of the year.
“It was always going to be a two or three window process, so we’re looking at January at the moment.
“We know the areas we need to bolster. It’s about getting more players I believe can play the type of football we want to play.
“There is a mentality attached to that. It’s about the type of personalities who are going to be brave and really ambitious.
“That’s what we’re trying to target. We will definitely be adding something to the squad.
“Japan is one of the markets we’ll be looking at. Obviously, I know it really well and they will get to the end of their season, which is a good time if there’s anyone who will fit into our set-up.
“We will be looking everywhere. The last window was frantic. This time we want to be planning well in advance.
“We’ve identified targets and begun discussions before we get to January so that we can conclude deals a lot quicker than we did in the previous window.”
SMASH-HIT SIGNING…Kyogo Furuhashi made an immediate impact after scoring a hat-trick against Dundee in August.
Postecoglou is also hoping to welcome back crocked pair Christopher Jullien and James Forrest in the near futures. The towering French central defender has not played this year after knee surgery following a collision with a goal post in the 3-0 win over Dundee United in Glasgow on December 30.
The Scotland international saw last season interrupted with an ankle injury early in the campaign and he has struggled for full fitness this time around.
The boss said: “They both have that experience and nous.
“That’s why it will be great to get them back because they can help us through this challenging period.
“It’s hard to say exactly when they’ll be back. Chris has been working in rehab and we’re hopeful that he’ll start team training after the international break.
“James is a bit different. He had a minor setback and we just haven’t been able to get him up and running.
MISSING MENACE…James Forrest showed his form against AZ Alkmaar, but has struggled for fitness.
“It’s difficult to have a timeline on it. My initial thoughts were he wouldn’t be too long, but it’s become a bit stretched out now.
“We have to be guided by him and how the injury heals. He’s a player I felt would make a significant contribution. Obviously, that hasn’t happened.”
Josip Juranovic, Greg Taylor, Mikey Johnston and Karamoko Dembele are three others who are desperate to play their part in a crucial campaign.
Celtic face Aberdeen at Pittodrie at noon today and go into the vitally important Premiership encounter following three consecutive losses on their travels at Tynecastle, Ibrox and Livingston.
The stuttering form has seen them stuck in sixth place six points off the pace before a ball is kicked today.
Postecoglou, speaking to the Sunday Mail, added: “Psychologically, it’s important we get that first away win in the league.
“When you talk about building a strong mentality, the players need to get rewards for their hard work.
“That’s the only way we’re going to get them. If we do win and get the result, it will show that we have the mentality to do it at a difficult place.”
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