Celtic fans have almost become accustomed to letting a big hitter or two leave each summer.
With Champions League money scarce in recent years, it’s little wonder why it’s become common place.
But, just who are the most expensive exports from the Hoops to other clubs?
There is definitely a Neil Lennon influence on the squad having been involved with five of the 11 in the team.
Celtic most expensive departures XI
The rules are identical to last month’s most expensive imports XI list from 67HailHail.
Only sourced amounts will be used and in event of a tie, Transfermarkt’s players out list will be used.
Players with debated positions won’t be used – it must be where they are most recognised at the club.
Goalkeeper – Fraser Forster
Fraser Forster joined the Hoops on loan from Newcastle for two successful stints before signing permanently.
Continued performances attracted Southampton who signed the big Englishman for around £10 million. [Guardian]
Forster gained England call ups down south but has since returned to the Hoops on his third loan.
Right back – Adam Matthews
Welsh international Adam Matthews became somewhat of an unearthed gem when Neil Lennon signed him in 2011.
He became first choice for a number of years before Mikael Lustig became a prominent figure in the team.
Celtic sold the former Cardiff City defender to Sunderland in 2015 for £2 million. [BBC]
Centre back – Virgil van Dijk
Neil Lennon couldn’t believe nobody else had scouted Virgil van Dijk when he brought him from Groningen.
The towering Dutch international strolled the Scottish game and has done the same down south to no surprise.
The eventual Liverpool Champions League winner was sold to Southampton from The Bhoys for £13 million [BBC]
Centre back – Kelvin Wilson
Perhaps a surprise in the list is another Lennon signing in English stopper Kelvin Wilson.
The Irishman was familiar with his abilities and signed the impressive defender in 2011 from Nottingham Forest.
Wilson returned to Forest two years later for £2.5 million [BBC] having originally been signed on a free.
Left back – Kieran Tierney
Is anyone really over this one yet?
Bhoyhood Celtic fan Kieran Tierney played himself from the youth team into being a top class left back.
The Scotland international joined Arsenal for a club record £25 million last summer [BBC] but has been plagued with injuries.
Right wing – Aiden McGeady
Another youth product to leave the club for big bucks was Ireland international Aiden McGeady.
The tricky winger could play on either side of the pitch and give full-backs a torrid time.
McGeady ended up joining Spartak Moscow in a surprise move that was also a record at the time in 2010 (£9million). [Telegraph]
Centre midfield – Victor Wanyama
Similar to van Dijk, Kenyan international Victor Wanyama was another player that took a surprise rise to the top.
Wanyama was a colossus defensive midfielder with a bullet of a strike on him which made him a fan favourite.
Big Vic surpassed McGeady’s record fee when he left the Hoops for Southampton in 2013 for £12.5 million. [BBC]
Centre midfield – Stuart Armstrong
Stuart Armstrong was a top player for Dundee United before a somewhat rocky start with the Celts.
Played out of position under Ronny Deila, an average Armstrong became a gem under Brendan Rodgers in central area.
This attracted the interest of old friends Southampton who paid an initial fee of £7 million in 2018. [BBC]
Left wing – Ross Wallace
Some younger fans won’t remember Ross Wallace who began his first team career with Celtic in 2003.
The pacey left winger played a variety of games in attack and defence before leaving the club in 2006.
Wallace signed for Sunderland with teammate Stan Varga for a combined £1.1 million deal. [Sunderland site]
Striker – Moussa Dembélé
Moussa Dembélé – Big Mous aka the King of Glasgow was phenomenal since joining from Fulham in 2016.
The French youth international notched 43 domestic goals in two season with the Scottish champions.
Dembélé was moved on to French giants Lyon after failure to qualify for the Champions League in a £19.7 million deal. [BBC]
Striker – Mark Viduka
He may split fan opinion but Mark Viduka began to make his name in British football at Celtic.
The Australian international bagged 30 goals in 37 appearances with the Scottish League Cup winners.
Viduka would later join Leeds United for £6 million where he became an icon down south. [Guardian]
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