It has been a newsworthy week at Celtic. Reports of bids received, targets pursued and the usual merry-go-round of the summer transfer window.
Brendan Rodgers has been crystal clear throughout the summer that he wants his Celtic squad to be stronger than last season. With the deadline approaching, that’s yet to transpire.
Indeed, there seems to be more speculation about the departure of key players rather than really seeing Celtic push on and put together a group capable of competing in the Champions League.
Later, we’ll hear from the manager again and these are the big issues we expect will be addressed by Rodgers.
Celtic fans need more than transfer ‘hope’
Rodgers has sympathised with the view of Celtic fans throughout the window, understanding the investment they make in the club financially and emotionally. He’s often talked of his ‘hope’ of getting the required deals done, but it feels like we’ve moved past that point now.
Supporters need to know whether the club will realistically hit their goals before the end of the window. No one is expecting a full breakdown of every potential deal or him to go in-depth on reported targets but hopefully the manager can communicate Celtic’s intent in the final week before the deadline.
Has this summer period panned out in the way he’d hoped recruitment-wise? He has been honest about what he wants done and we may well get the ‘judge when we’re past the deadline’ stuff, but the manager’s answers on incomings later today could well be telling.
What’s going on with Kyogo
The Manchester City interest in Kyogo has taken a fair few people by surprise this week. Potentially even Rodgers himself.
The manager has taken a philosophical view of outgoings this summer, admitting that if the right level of offer comes in then it’s hard to stand in a player’s way to an exit.
We need to get a sense of where things are at with the Japanese star. Not even just in a transfer context. We’re still waiting on a definitive update on how his shoulder is doing after missing last week’s match at home to Hibernian. Is he fit enough to face St Mirren on Sunday?
Matt O’Riley’s status
All reports indicate that Brighton have submitted an offer for Matt O’Riley this week, potentially breaking Celtic’s transfer record if it goes through.
Is the attacking midfielder part of the manager’s plans this weekend? Has he played his last Celtic match?
O’Riley has been stellar throughout the summer despite all the transfer speculation and has acquitted himself well. But if there’s a firm offer on the table and Celtic are ready to do business, then there’s reasonable doubt regarding his availability.
Rodgers’ interviews and media appearances today certainly won’t be ones to miss.
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