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The Ange Postecoglou era continues as the man from Oz is set to bring in his 5th signing in the January window in the form of Australian International Riley McGree.
Fans were asked the question on social media, ‘Who was their favourite January transfer signing through the years?’. The response was phenomenal as many fans responded by commenting on Facebook posts that were posted on popular Celtic group pages.
Many debated on who and why their player should be on the list. The picks ranged from individuals who were coming to Celtic as a free agents, a six-month loan signing or had become veterans at the club after been long servant at the Glasgow Club
Here are the five most popular picks.
- Georgios Samaras.
Samaras as a sub during his time at Celtic.
The Greek international originally signed on a six-month loan in January 2008 before making his move permanent that summer. The skilful forward struggled with injury and had often received criticism at times from fans due to his somewhat hot and cold performances. However, he quickly became a fan favourite after an individual display at the New year’s Old firm game, January 2nd 2011. The forward cemented his place in Neil Lennon’s starting 11 after scoring 2 goals at Ibrox stadium.
During his time at Celtic, Samaras helped lead Celtic to 4 SPL league trophies, 2 Scottish cups and 1 league cup. The present-day legend made a total of 156 appearances for Celtic, scoring 48 goals. Many fans were heartbroken when he left in 2014, but is still to this day in the hearts of fans.
- Robbie Keane
Robbie keane whilst on international duty for the Republic of Ireland.
A veteran of the Premier League and the Republic of Ireland’s top goalscorer, Robbie Keane was deemed unneeded by at that time Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.
The Irishman quickly became a fan favourite despite only being at the club for six months. Keane returned to Tottenham to many fans dismay as he’d become a popular figure around Celtic. In 16 appearances, Robbie Keane scored 12 goals including a hat trick against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup.
- Craig Bellamy
Another player was signed on a six-month loan deal but quickly became another popular figure amongst the fans. Bellamy moved up from Newcastle in January 2005 after according to reports had rejected a 6 million pound move from Birmingham and instead signing for Celtic.
The welsh forward finished his loan scoring 9 goals in all competitions and helped guide Celtic to the 2004-2005 Scottish Cup. Bellamy would go on to further success after Celtic played for teams in the Premier League such as West Ham, Cardiff City, Liverpool and Manchester City.
- Mikael Lustig
Joining on a free transfer from Norwegian giants Rosenborg, Lustig was a reliable choice at right-back and was another favourite amongst fans. During his time at Celtic, Lustig helped guide Celtic to 8 Scottish Premiership titles, 4 Scottish Cups and 4 Scottish League cups. Perhaps one of his most memorable moments and performances was his wonder goal against Rangers at Ibrox in 2017.
The Swede left the Parkhead club in 2019 signing for Belgian club Gent. Lustig is still playing in his native homeland for the Swedish side AIK Stockholm.
- Kris Commons
Commons in action for Celtic.
Before playing for Celtic, Kris Commons was a regular in the English Championship for sides such as Derby and Nottingham Forrest. The Scottish international signed on the 1st of January and made an immediate impact scoring on his debut during a league cup semifinal against Aberdeen. The attacking midfielder would go on to make over 200 appearances for Celtic and score 91 goals including scoring 27 goals during the 2013-2014 Scottish Premiership season. Commons retired from playing in 2018.
Ends.
