As we get ready for another hectic campaign, it appears that Celtic have set out a fresh transfer policy heading into the summer.
According to the Daily Record, the Hoops are allowing their wantaway players to leave without any resistance. However, they’re also trying to ensure that no deals are dragged deep into the club’s pre-season prep. They want all players uncommitted to the club gone before then.
In recent times, Odsonne Edouard has been linked with a £15m move to Leicester [The Times]. Kris Ajer, meanwhile, has outlined his intentions to depart [Sky Sports]. Ryan Christie and Olivier Ntcham, meanwhile, have both failed to commit to new deals ahead of their expiration date in 2022.
In recent years, Celtic have tried to use their top stars who look set to depart to try and help them progress in the Champions League qualifiers. Back in 2018, Moussa Dembele appeared in the club’s full run before being knocked out by AEK Athens in the third qualifying round, for example.
But this season appears to see the Hoops take a different tactic. It appears that those who wish to depart, regardless of whether they’re a top player, are being told to leave before the UCL qualifiers even begin.
Celtic don’t need any distractions ahead of our UCL campaign; new transfer policy is an ideal one
Celtic won’t take part in the competition until July 20th or 21st. That’s when the second qualifying round will get underway. That’s only around 10 days before the Premiership season kicks off on July 31st.
The Hoops seemingly want all of their wantaway players gone by that stage. This could include the four players mentioned above, with Edouard likely to lead the contingent out the Parkhead exit door as a move to Leicester draws near.
That means Celtic clearly have plans to get players in the door ahead of our second qualifying round clash. When we take to the field for our first competitive game of the season, this Parkhead squad looks set to be a fair bit different than what we’ve been used to.
I’ve said in the past that the wantaways should have no business taking part in our UCL qualifying campaign. We need players who are committed to the club for the long-term putting their all into these fixtures. Not players whose first thought may be to try and avoid any serious injuries.
The prospect of Celtic not wanting transfer sagas winding down deep into our pre-season prep is a brilliant sign. It’s one of the main frustrations of supporters in the build-up to a new campaign.
It also hopefully signals Celtic’s intent to have much of this rebuild done as soon as possible. At the very least, replacements for those who depart will need to be brought in urgently. Regardless, the fact we’re looking to sell our wantaways quickly is a pleasing sign.
In other news, a Bundesliga club is said to be in admiration of this Celtic star’s leadership qualities.
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