Brendan Rodgers has publicly backed deadline day signing Sebastian Tounekti to be a versatile solution to Celtic’s ongoing issues out wide, but that claim is raising eyebrows given the squad’s current imbalance.

The manager hailed the Tunisian winger as a “quick, clever” wide player who “can operate on both sides,” despite mounting evidence that his game time has been almost exclusively from the left wing. According to Transfermarkt data, while Tounekti is listed as capable on the right, there are no recorded competitive appearances in that position.

After the Tunisian’s arrival was confirmed, the manager said; [Celtic TV]

“I’m really happy that Sebastian has joined the Club and I am sure he will be a really exciting addition to our squad.

“He will give us that real added attacking intent and I am sure he can make a big difference to us.

“He is a quick, clever winger who can operate on both sides, creating opportunities for himself and others. Myself and our coaches are really looking forward to working with Sebastian.”

This comes after a summer where Celtic failed to replace Nicolas Kuhn, who was sold to Como in July. With the window now shut, James Forrest remains the club’s only natural right-winger. Yang, another winger who could be used on the right, has shown a strong preference for cutting in from the left and saw a deadline day move to Birmingham collapse after Celtic delayed green-lighting the deal.

In total, Celtic now have an overload of left-sided attackers: Jota (currently out injured), Maeda, Balikwisha, Tounekti, and Yang all favour that flank. The lack of urgency in addressing the right-wing spot has frustrated fans.

Rodgers’ claim that Tounekti can plug the right-wing gap will be put to the test soon, but it may end up highlighting a wider issue: Celtic’s recruitment continues to appear unbalanced and reactive, rather than strategic.