Stephen McGowan reveals big Celtic transfer update following derby loss

Celtic’s 3-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox exposed weaknesses in the heart of their midfield that supporters have been concerned about for some time.

However, comments made by Herald journalist Stephen McGowan after the Old Firm defeat could raise even more questions about Celtic’s transfer business.

Speaking on Graeme Spiers’ Pressbox podcast, McGowan claimed Celtic were fully aware that they needed a defensive-minded No. 6 and had actually identified a player for the position before the transfer window closed.

According to McGowan, Celtic ultimately chose not to complete the deal, with the midfielder now having moved to the Middle East.

“It goes back to this point about the lack of a number six,” McGowan said.

“They knew they needed one. I know for a fact they had one in their sights before the window closed. They decided not to sign him for whatever reason, and now he’s gone to the Middle East. So only they can answer why that was the case.”

The revelation is particularly significant given what happened at Ibrox.

Rangers dominated the physical battle, won more individual duels and repeatedly found space through the middle of the pitch as Celtic struggled to establish any control.

Dan Neil scored twice, while Kevin Kelsy also found the net as Rangers secured a comprehensive victory and booked their place in the League Cup semi-finals.

McGowan believes the match once again highlighted Celtic’s need for a powerful, mobile midfielder capable of protecting the defence.

“I think what today showed more than anything is what we have been talking about, I don’t know how long for, the need for Celtic to have a physical box to box number six,” he said.

“Somebody can go and protect what is now a creaking and cranking central defence.”

He also questioned the physical profile of Celtic’s current midfield options, pointing specifically to Callum McGregor and Mika Baur.

“Callum McGregor and Mika Bauer, they’re not the biggest, they’re not the strongest, they’re not the most physical.”

McGowan also argued that Celtic’s midfield has been too easy to play through and suggested the club failed to address an obvious weakness during the transfer window.

That puts some of the focus on the wider recruitment structure rather than solely on Martin O’Neill.

O’Neill will inevitably face criticism for his tactical decisions after Celtic were comfortably beaten by Rangers, but McGowan believes responsibility should not rest entirely with the manager because he inherited the squad.

“When those questions will rightly be asked of Martin O’Neill, I think the responsibility is collective,” he said.

The defeat has therefore added weight to questions about why Celtic did not strengthen in an area they had apparently already identified as a problem.

There is nothing inherently wrong with Celtic having financial strength or being cautious in the transfer market. The bigger issue, from a supporters’ perspective, is knowing that a particular type of player was required, identifying a potential target and still ending the window without making the signing.

The identity of the midfielder remains unknown, and McGowan has not named the player.

But that may not even be the most important part of the story.

After Rangers overpowered Celtic in midfield at Ibrox, supporters are now entitled to ask why the club decided against bringing in the physical No. 6 they apparently knew they needed.