Celtic supporters are tired of seeing English clubs reap the rewards of players developed in Glasgow.
At some point Celtic must start keeping more of the academy players supporters are actually excited about.
The Hoops are expected to receive training compensation for the defender, who is reportedly set to move to Anfield on July 1 and join Liverpool’s academy setup.
For supporters, this is another reminder of how difficult it has become to hold onto elite young talent once Premier League clubs begin circling.
Academy players are leaving Celtic at an unprecedented rate…
Liverpool interest says plenty about Celtic academy
Liverpool would not be moving for Jikiemi if they did not believe he had genuine long-term potential. The Premier League club’s recruitment operation is one of the strongest in Europe, particularly at academy level.
That should reflect positively on Celtic’s youth development work. Jikiemi has built a growing reputation within the academy structure and many supporters hoped he could eventually force his way into first-team thinking.
But while producing talented youngsters is important, supporters ultimately want to see those players contribute at Celtic Park rather than leave before making an impact.
Celtic supporters are tired of seeing prospects leave early
This is where the frustration comes from. Celtic may receive compensation, but financially protecting development work is not the same as benefiting from it on the pitch.
Supporters will understandably question how many more promising academy players will leave for England before establishing themselves in Glasgow.
The attraction of Liverpool and the Premier League is obvious. Bigger finances, elite facilities and the global pull of English football remain difficult for Scottish clubs to compete with.
Still, that does not make the situation any less disappointing for Celtic supporters who wanted to see whether Jikiemi could become part of the club’s future.
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