Michael Gannon reveals uncomfortable reality behind Celtic’s Araujo and Ta Bi signings

Celtic are actively working to bolster their squad during the January transfer window as they look to close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Sitting six points behind leaders Hearts and three adrift of Rangers, the Hoops know there is little margin for error in the second half of the season. The areas in need of improvement are clear, with a new striker widely viewed as the top priority.

Celtic have already completed the signing of Julian Araujo, while Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi has also emerged as a reported target. However, the manner in which both players came onto Celtic’s radar has raised eyebrows among supporters.

Araujo and Ta Bi ‘made available’ to Celtic

Former Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson once spoke of making the club “world-class in everything we do,” but Michael Gannon has suggested that Celtic’s recruitment process may fall short of that ambition.

Speaking on Hotline Live, Gannon claimed Araujo was not identified through long-term scouting but was instead offered to the club.

“The boy at Bournemouth isn’t someone who’s been on Celtic’s radar for a long time,” Gannon said. “He’s a player who’s been made available on loan. Whether it’s Shaun Maloney, Paul Tisdale or someone else at Lennoxtown answering the phone, these are deals that are being offered to Celtic rather than actively sourced.

“It’s the same situation with the player from Israel. He’s being shopped around clubs across Europe at Celtic’s level.

“I guarantee Rangers have been offered these players as well.”

The comments suggest Celtic may be reacting to opportunities rather than driving their recruitment strategy — a claim that will not sit well with sections of the fanbase.

Five areas Celtic must address in January

Martin O’Neill faces a significant task if Celtic are to strengthen sufficiently before the February 2 deadline. With only Araujo through the door several days into the window, reinforcements remain urgently needed.

Here are five key positions Celtic should be targeting:

• Striker: At least two additions are required to reinforce the forward line.

• Defensive midfielder: A strong, ball-winning presence is needed to add bite and protection in midfield.

• Attacking midfielder: Celtic lack a creative force capable of consistently breaking down SPFL defences.

• Centre-back: Liam Scales and Auston Trusty require genuine competition and experienced cover.

• Right winger: While Hyunjun Yang has shown promise, he is not seen as a long-term solution for Celtic’s attacking width.

Landing all five reinforcements may be unrealistic, but addressing even some of these positions would represent meaningful progress. For O’Neill, this list provides a clear starting point as he looks to strengthen the squad and reignite Celtic’s title push.