Hummels, Rabiot and Matip – 11 free Celtic transfer solutions to problem positions from sensational to sensible
Cash in the bank means blockbuster questions can at least be asked
Getting Adam Idah in the door was supposed to give Celtic the cover they craved up front.
But Brendan Rodgers' admission that Kyogo's only option to sort a troublesome shoulder issue could leave them back in the same position they were in before Idah – looking light up front. A left back to compete with Greg Taylor has long been the plan, although that's becoming more pressing now that the Scotland international is in the final year of his deal.
Matt O'Riley has seen both Southampton and Atalanta fail with bids to sign him this summer, although the smart money is someone else trying their luck before the window closes and a replacement will have to be considered. Unwanted centre backs Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke are proving hard to shift but if Celtic are successful, then another body in that area will be required given the hectic schedule.
What Celtic can afford and what they should be trying pay is a hot topic. They'll bank a £40million Champions League jackpot and by the board's own admission, the Parkhead bank balance is in extremely rude health and "above expectations". That has fans questioning why it took so long to sign Idah when Celtic could go up to £9.5million anyway.
Having cash to burn means punters want the club to be ambitious. And that doesn't necessarily mean transfer fees. As we tick towards the end of the window, the free agent market starts to look more and more appealing with time an issue.
Of course, saving on a fee usually means you'll splash out more on wages. And there are some seriously big names still unattached. Shy boys don't get sweeties and if you don't ask, you'll never know. There are also some far from blockbuster but will fairly useful pickups that could fill gaps in the squad who would be more open to plying their trade in the Hoops. Record Sport looks at the stars Celtic could reach for and the lesser lights populating the free agents list.
Patrick van Aanholt
The Dutch left back may be 33, but has a wealth experience in the English Premier League and in Europe. Owen Beck may be the preferred choice, but if Liverpool don't want to sell, Celtic could do worse than offer van Aanholt a year to compete with Taylor and they can then properly address the left back situation next summer if they find themselves needing a couple of them.
Mats Hummels
The former Dortmund and Bayern Munich star has been there and done it in the Champions League. Celtic need to dramatically up their game on the European stage and the German would be exactly the type to help them do that, even if he is past the absolute peak of his powers.
He'll no doubt have big money options elsewhere, but perhaps not top tier clubs. As one punter put forward on the phone-ins recently, surely he’s worth a phone call?
Mario Hermoso
Not a household name, but the former Atletico Madrid centre back has serious pedigree. Still only 29, he'll almost certainly have a string of clubs willing to pay him a hefty wedge and again, it's one Celtic would find themselves down the pecking order for. But if they can get creative and with Champions League football and the chance of winning trophies, then they can at least offer some things others can't.
Joel Matip
The ex-Liverpool centre back is a towering presence and would be another that would seriously beef up Rodgers' backline for a Champions League tilt. At 33, he's experienced without being a proper veteran and there's similarities in profile to Kolo Toure, who proved that one-time PL stars are attainable in the right circumstances.
Dele Alli
The England international hasn't had his problems to seek in recent years. Off-field struggles saw him step back from Everton until he was in the right frame of mind to play. HIs contract is now up, but is still training with the Toffees at Finch Farm and Sean Dyche hasn’t ruled out keeping him around. But a fresh start at Celtic could actually appeal and while it's a big if, getting Ali fit and firing would leave Celtic with a serious player on their hands.
Adrien Rabiot
Okay so this maybe fantasy land stuff. The France World Cup winner seems to be a notoriously difficult player to negotiate with (or more accurately, his agent/mother is) but his quality will have some monster clubs at least asking the question.
Liverpool and Man Utd have both been linked and realistically, Celtic would have next to no chance. But better to ask and have it confirmed than just assume. As ever, a guarantee of eight UCL games would be an incentive.
Davy Klaassen
An Ajax academy graduate, Klassen is still only 31 after leaving Inter this summer. A second spell at Ajax and loan to Wolfsburg came on the back of leading Erik ten Hag's side on a couple of European adventures and would fit the bill in terms of stepping it up on the continent.
Dennis Praet
The 30-year-old Belgian midfielder played under Rodgers at Leicester and while he spent a good chunk of the Irishman’s reign on loan with Torino, he's spoken highly of the Celtic boss regardless. Praet is extremely versatile and knows what Rodgers wants and expects from his players and teams. There are plenty factors in place that could make him an ideal bargain pick up to enhance the squad, if not necessarily the starting XI as things stand.
Stuart Armstrong
Speaking of players familiar with Rodgers, Armstrong was a big part of his Invincibles side and has been suggested more than once by Celtic fans since he left Southampton. Interest from England hasn't come to anything yet and if O'Riley does go, Armstrong looks like an easy one to draft in, at least until a longer-term younger replacement can be identified and worked on in January or next summer.
Anthony Martial
This one is firmly in the same bracket as Rabiot. The former Manchester Utd forward is demanding big money and has already proved too rich for Galatasaray's tastes.
There may come a point when realism kicks in and he finds himself without a club after the window closes, at which point the numbers might get smaller. Small enough to be a realistic target for Celtic but remains highly doubtful.
Aaron Connelly
The Ireland international burst on to the scene with Brighton as a 19-year-old but, has has lost his way a bit since. Loans to Luton, Middlesborough, Venezia and Hull preceded a permanent move to the Tigers last summer, but he's now a free agent after his contract expired. Wouldn't be a starter at Celtic, but would a least offer another option should Kyogo go under the knife and perhaps even make a good foil for Idah if Rodgers opts to pair them together. Still young at 24 and with a point to prove, it could suit both parties.