Celtic Summer Transfer Round-Up: All Paradise Deals Confirmed
What a wild transfer window it was at Parkhead. Celtic went through a massive squad rebuild during the busy summer months. The Hoops pulled off dynamic deals to bring fresh blood into Paradise while sending players out through the exit doors. Celtic fans watched closely as the turnstiles spun day after day. In total, Celtic recorded 11 arrivals during the summer transfer window to give the team exciting fresh choices across the pitch. Every area of the team received attention in a huge window.
The biggest headline maker among the new Bhoys is Danish internationalist Kasper Høgh. The talented striker joined Celtic from Bodø/Glimt to lead the attack. BBC Sport reported his transfer fee as £11m, making him a major investment for the Hoops. Høgh wasted no time showing Paradise what he can do on the big stage. He smashed in a brilliant hat-trick in Celtic's 5-1 victory against Kilmarnock to get Parkhead rocking. That hat-trick announced his arrival in style.
Høgh was not the only exciting attacker to arrive at Parkhead during the window. Celtic signed attacker Camilo Durán from Qarabağ on a five-year contract. Durán committed his long-term future to the Hoops as part of a completely revamped front line. Having a five-year deal gives Celtic brilliant long-term options in attack.
Behind the front line, Celtic made strong defensive moves to keep things tight at the back. Experienced goalkeeper Sam Johnstone joined Celtic from Wolves to add pure quality between the sticks. Celtic also landed right-back Jordan Lotomba, who joined Celtic as a right-back until the end of this season to lock down the flank. His arrival as a right-back until the end of this season helps Celtic cover a key defensive role.
Fresh Engine Room at Paradise
The midfield engine room received a massive update during the summer transfer window. Danish midfielder Oliver Sørensen joined Celtic on a season-long loan from Parma to bring high energy into central areas. The season-long loan gives the Hoops fantastic dynamic options in the middle of the park.
Celtic did not stop there when rebuilding the central midfield. German midfielder Mika Baur signed for Celtic to add vision and quality passing to the squad. Dutch midfielder Joël van den Berg also signed for Celtic, giving the Hoops even more depth and options in the middle of the pitch. Having both German midfielder Mika Baur and Dutch midfielder Joël van den Berg gives the team fresh European talent.
Experience is also key during a long title race. Celtic secured a vital piece of business by keeping an experienced midfielder in Glasgow. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain signed a new one-year deal with Celtic to remain at Parkhead and guide the squad. Securing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a new one-year deal ensures steady hands remain in the changing room.
Big Cash Departures from Parkhead
While new heroes arrived at Paradise, plenty of familiar faces left Glasgow. Celtic recorded 20 departures during the summer transfer window in a complete reshuffle of the squad. That total of 20 departures shows just how much business got done across the window.
The biggest exit came in the middle of the pitch. Arne Engels transferred from Celtic to West Ham for a reported £22m fee, bringing huge funds back into the Parkhead bank account. The deal saw Arne Engels leave Paradise after making his mark in Scotland.
Another massive departure hit the attack. Daizen Maeda transferred from Celtic to Ipswich for a reported £10m fee after running his heart out for the green and white shirt. His transfer to Ipswich for a reported £10m fee marks another significant departure from the squad.
With 11 exciting arrivals in the doors and 20 players moving on, the Celtic squad looks totally different for the challenges ahead. The big question now for the manager is how quickly these new stars can build team chemistry and deliver trophies at Paradise.