As Kouassi Eboue waits for the work permit that will allow him to kick start his Celtic career it’s worth noting that in terms of January transfers the hoops have completed some impressive business during the winter months.
Of the current team Stuart Armstrong and Leigh Griffiths arrived in recent seasons to make significant impacts from the get go.
Just like this season the title was virtually assured by the time that Armstrong and Griffiths got involved but both players quickly settled in and came up with the goods.
January windows can often be remembered for the deals that weren’t completed but most of Celtic’s recent winter deals have produced the desired effect.
This article only covers permanent signings but in terms of January deals the 2010 transfer of Robbie Keane was probably the most contrasting, the player did well enough to swoop most of the Player of the Year awards but the manager at the time was on gardening leave by the time Robbie waved farewell.
With a half full glass pointing towards another year of progress hopefully Eboue and others will feature in future January success stories.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Was far from a popular signing from Wolves in 2014, his goals at Hibs being accompanied by lots of unwelcome attention on social media and off the pitch.
He quickly broke the mould of dud strikers and scored with the same regularity as he did at Easter Road.
It looked like his number was up when Ronny Deila replaced Neil Lennon but he worked his way back into favour producing a 40 goal haul in the Norwegian’s second and final season in charge.
STEFAN JOHANSEN
Looked the part from day one even if there were reservations that he was looked on as a cheaper Joe Ledley.
Johansen played a full part in winning the 13/14 title to add to the medal that he collected from Stromsgodset.
He continued to develop under his old boss Deila but a multitude of issues seemed to thwart his progress last season before an inevitable and low key departure.
TOM ROGIC
A bit of a late bloomer and it took two changes of manager for the real Rogic to emerge.
After catching the eye during a winter break Central Coast Mariners sold the midfielder to Celtic who were on the crest of a wave awaiting Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League.
There was heart-break ahead for Rogic as he returned on loan to Oz, missed the 2014 World Cup and almost a season through injury but like a few others his career has been transformed by Brendan Rodgers.
His eye for goal seems tailor made for the attacking midfield position and looks good to threaten the 20 mark this season.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Few could have guessed what was to come when the frail Scandinavian made his debut at Aberdeen alongside Andre Blackman!
After a very nervy start to his Celtic career he edged in front of Adam Matthews and survived hip surgery to become a mainstay of the 5/6-in-a-row winners.
Rodgers has been impressed but it remains to be seen if a new contract will be agreeable with Cristian Gamboa now competing for a place.
KRIS COMMONS
Football – Celtic v Rangers – Scottish League Cup Semi Final – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland – 1/2/15
Kris Commons celebrates scoring the second goal for Celtic
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason Cairnduff
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Probably one of the most significant ever January signing.
The £300,000 paid to Derby County turned out to be a steal with over 90 goals delivered mainly from midfield.
He scored five minutes into his debut against Aberdeen and instantly linked in with Anthony Stokes and Gary Hooper.
Changes of management brought his Celtic career to a halt but his value won’t be easily forgotten.
BARRY ROBSON
Football – Celtic v Rangers Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League – Celtic Park – 27/4/08
Celtic’s Barry Robson celebrates scoring the third goal from the penalty spot
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Smith
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This deal was all about impact! Scoring with his first touch on his debut as a substitute away to Aberdeen Robson followed that up with a headed goal against Barcelona in his first Champions League appearance.
With the SPL title developing into a dogfight he stamped his authority over the title race with a crunching challenge that left Christian Dailly all shook up followed by a match winning penalty against Rangers (IL) that turned the title race.
His star faded during the following season but the £1m signing from Dundee United certainly hit the ground running.