Clubs are regularly keen to stress the importance of preparing for tomorrow, but due to the fluid nature of football, even the best-laid plans often have to be tweaked or abandoned.
Celtic were once notorious for their reactive tendencies in the transfer market, but hesitancy and passiveness are no longer obstacles in their pursuit of success. Clarity has replaced dithering, and a coherent plan has been implemented and followed.
The January transfer window, as is often highlighted, is a difficult month to conduct business. Clubs are reluctant to part with valued performers at the midway point of a campaign, and it was exploring under-valued markets that brought Celtic rewards last winter. Reo Hatate, Matt O'Riley and Daizen Maeda rejuvenated a weary group at a critical juncture, and the trio contributed to a triumphant title charge.
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The champions have brought new meaning to ‘getting your transfer business done early.’ The January transfer window is not open for another fortnight, yet two new players are already at Lennoxtown. Centre-back Yuki Kobayashi - the club’s fifth Japanese addition within 18 months - has joined his compatriots, while Alistair Johnston, a diligent performer for Canada at the World Cup, has been added for around £3 million.
Ange Postecoglou remarked at the end of last season that the flurry of January activity was partly in preparation for the summer departures of Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic. Succession planning appears to be in operation once again, highlighted by the additions of Kobayashi and Johnston, but it does point towards a big-name exit being on the cards.
Josip Juranović has enhanced his reputation with excellent performances for a resilient Croatia side at the World Cup. His combative display against Brazil earned widespread recognition, and his assuredness will inevitably lead to suitors chapping the door.
Juranović, although only 18 months into a five-year deal, has, thus far, been unable to agree to the terms of a new contract. There is no urgency, certainly not from the club’s perspective, but the arrival of Johnston suggests the lure of a big-five league will soon tempt the Croatian.
Celtic almost always ensure they achieve suitable compensation for prized assets, and a significant fee for Juranović will be sought - a full-back equally adept at both ends of the pitch. It is not often a 27-year-old plying his trade in the Scottish Premiership is sold for big bucks, a rare occurrence over the last two decades, but the Croatian’s services will not come cheap.
Speculation surrounding Juranović began last summer, and further chatter regarding his future was assumed. The sudden commotion around Giorgos Giakoumakis has been surprising, though, and his agitation appears to stem from a lack of progress in contract discussions. His agent has been posturing in recent weeks, generating noise, although a compromise that ensures his client remains in Glasgow for the long-term is still more probable than not.
Celtic’s squad management since the arrival of Postecoglou - for domestic involvement - has been close to perfect. They have strength and depth in every department, and all key performers are on long-term deals. As it stands, only the two loan players, Moritz Jenz and Oliver Abildgaard are due to exit in the summer.
The bulk of incoming transfer work has been completed long before the official opening for trading, although a forward may still feature on Postecoglou's wanted list. Juranović could depart, yet the capture of Johnston has ensured there will be no late trolley dash - the days of Celtic scrambling around the bargain basement aisle at five to midnight on deadline-day are faded memories from a previous era.
The champions continue to build from a position of strength. The Hoops travel to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen on Saturday lunchtime with the aim of restoring a nine-point advantage at the top of the Premiership.
