Late arrival fails to quell anger among Celtic fans at lack of new striker

The last-gasp signing of winger Sebastian Tounekti failed to quell the anger of Celtic fans after the Scottish champions emerged from the transfer window even lighter in the central striker department.

Seven months after selling prolific goalscorer Kyogo Furuhashi and failing to replace him before the winter deadline, Celtic allowed former record signing Adam Idah to join Swansea without securing another centre-forward before the summer window shut.

Manager Brendan Rodgers had insisted on Friday there was “absolutely no way” he would sanction departures without “absolute guarantees” of a replacement and admitted his preference for two centre-forwards if Idah was to depart.

He may still get one with a deal for former Leicester forward Kelechi Iheanacho possibly in the offing after Sevilla announced the departure of the 28-year-old shortly before the deadline and soon after reports emerged of Celtic’s interest.

But it was a clear case of deja vu for Celtic fans as Rodgers also sought a reunion with the player in the final stages of the winter window.

The Nigerian instead ended up on loan at Middlesbrough, where he scored once in 15 games, and leaves Sevilla without managing a La Liga goal.

Attempts to sign Anderlecht forward Kasper Dolberg appeared to be ambushed by Ajax and reports claim they were turned down by Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana, who instead tried to seal a last-minute loan move to Charlton.

Celtic have signed two centre-forwards this summer but one, 19-year-old former Fulham attacker Callum Osmand, is yet to play a first-team game and the other, Shin Yamada, arrived on the back of netting twice in 21 J-League appearances this year. He is yet to find the net for his new club.

With 22-year-old Johnny Kenny still relatively unproven, Daizen Maeda could now be handed the centre-forward role after stepping inside to excellent effect when Furuhashi left in January.

However, having sold Nicolas Kuhn to Como and lost Jota to long-term injury in May, Rodgers would possibly have been keen to deploy Maeda in more familiar territory out wide.

Rodgers highlighted the need for “five or six” wingers on Friday as he discussed transfer interest in Yang Hyun-jun, and the South Korean’s proposed switch to Birmingham fell through amid the uncertainty.

James Forrest remains an ever-reliable option, but Yang struggled badly during Celtic’s Champions League defeat by Kairat Almaty.

And former Antwerp winger Michal-Ange Balikwisha will possibly need some time to adapt after looking slightly hesitant on the ball during his debut against Rangers on Sunday.

Rodgers, who had been calling for attacking reinforcements since Kuhn left in the first half of July, will be pinning his hopes on Tounekti providing a spark after three goalless draws in four matches.

The 23-year-old former Bodo/Glimt player, who has two caps for Tunisia, signed from Hammarby on a five-year deal for a reported £5.5million.

Quoted on the Celtic website, Rodgers predicted the winger would be a “really exciting addition”.

“He will give us that real added attacking intent and I am sure he can make a big difference to us,” he added.

“He is a quick, clever winger who can operate on both sides, creating opportunities for himself and others.”

However, the overriding reaction of fans was anger at the board, and the North Curve Celtic group shared a photograph of themselves holding up banners calling for the removal of major shareholder Dermot Desmond, chairman Peter Lawwell and chief executive Michael Nicholson.

The ultras are not always a true barometer of public opinion but it would appear Celtic fans are united in their dismay at the club’s approach.

After waiting in vain for the attacking options Rodgers called for ahead of the Champions League play-offs, supporters will now fear their domestic dominance has been risked by complacency.