Celtic are under growing pressure to strengthen their squad as the January transfer window continues to tick down with little activity.
Martin O’Neill is expected to push for new arrivals before the deadline, according to former Hoops manager Neil Lennon, who believes his old boss has already made his expectations clear to the club’s hierarchy.
Celtic progressed in the Scottish Cup with a win over sixth-tier Auchinleck Talbot thanks to goals from Johnny Kenny and Sebastian Tounekti, but supporter frustration was evident throughout the match, with chants calling for new signings ringing around the ground.
So far, Julián Araujo’s move from Bournemouth remains Celtic’s only incoming deal of the window. O’Neill has previously stated that adding a striker is a priority, and Lennon feels the manager will press the board to act quickly.
Speaking to Premier Sports, Lennon said:
“I think he needs players in, and I think he will push for that. I wouldn’t say demand it, but he has made it clear what he wants from the board. I’m sure the board will back him this week and get the players he wants in.
“They will be his players, not Paul Tisdale’s and not Wilfried Nancy’s, because that has had to change since Martin came in. Now he’s going to bring in players, whether that’s loans or signings, to get Celtic over the line for the season.”
One name back on Celtic’s radar is Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana, following the collapse of a potential move last summer. The 22-year-old is currently on loan at Turkish side Fatih Karagümrük, where he has rediscovered his scoring touch with eight goals in 14 appearances. Chelsea are expected to terminate that loan early in order to free up an international slot and explore a permanent transfer.
However, Fofana has indicated his focus remains firmly on his current club. After a recent defeat, he said:
“I’m a striker and my job is to help the team. Obviously, I did my job. Scoring goals is my job. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. I will try to score more goals in the upcoming matches.”
Elsewhere, Celtic have also been linked with Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurèle Amenda. The Swiss international was an unused substitute in Friday’s draw with Werder Bremen and is keen to secure regular playing time as he pushes for a place in Switzerland’s World Cup plans. A loan move is understood to be under consideration, with Celtic among the interested clubs.
Amenda’s agent, Jose Noguera Rodriguez, confirmed that options are being explored. Speaking to Absolut Fußball, he said:
“In January, we’ll examine all the options that are best for his sporting development. Should an opportunity arise where Aurèle gets the playing time he deserves, we will seriously consider it.
“He is grateful for the opportunity in Frankfurt, but his career is at a crucial juncture where decisions need to be made.”
Celtic have also been linked with Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, who has struggled for consistent minutes during his loan spell at Roma. The Republic of Ireland international could yet become available if Brighton opt to recall him.
Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler admitted the situation remains fluid.
“The transfer window is open, anything can happen,” he said. “He’s had an impact at Roma, but there have been setbacks. He needs to improve in terms of playing time and performances.
“Evan needs to play, develop and then come back to us and be effective.”
With fan pressure mounting and several potential targets in view, the coming days could prove decisive for Celtic as O’Neill looks to reinforce his squad before the window closes.
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