Martin O’Neill has made his intentions crystal clear. Camilo Durán may be edging closer to Celtic, but the manager believes the club’s summer business up front should not end there.
Speaking about his attacking options, O’Neill admitted he still wants another striker before the transfer window closes.
“Yes, that’s what I’d be hoping for.
I think he [Durán] can link play-up and things like this, but I think maybe we could do with somebody who can put the ball in the net.”
Those comments will resonate with every Celtic supporter who has watched the club struggle for goals since the departures of Kyogo Furuhashi, Adam Idah and Nicolas Kühn left the squad desperately short of firepower.
Durán looks an exciting addition. Reports suggest he possesses excellent technical ability, can bring others into the game and offers a different profile in attack. But O’Neill’s words suggest he doesn’t see the Colombian as the finished solution to Celtic’s biggest problem.
Instead, he appears to view Durán as one piece of the puzzle.
The manager is looking for something else.
A natural goalscorer.
A striker whose instinct is to live inside the penalty area and convert chances consistently.
It’s a refreshing dose of honesty from O’Neill. Rather than pretending the squad is complete, he has publicly acknowledged what many supporters have been saying for months.
Celtic still need more.
With Champions League qualifiers and another demanding domestic campaign on the horizon, relying on one new striker would be a significant gamble. Injuries, loss of form and fixture congestion demand strength in depth, particularly in the most important position on the pitch.
The challenge now falls to the board.
If O’Neill has identified the need for another proven goalscorer, Celtic must back their manager and deliver before the transfer window closes.
Supporters have heard promises before. This time, they will judge the board not by words, but by whether another striker walks through the doors at Celtic Park.
After waiting so long for attacking reinforcements, one signing may not be enough.
Martin O’Neill knows it.
Now the board must prove they know it too.
