Ange Postecoglou is refusing to put any timelines on Celtic’s transfer deals this summer as speculation continues to ramp up.
The Hoops are said to be closing in on moves for Jota and Alexandro Bernabei. Should both signings be completed, it would take the club’s transfer haul to 4 for the summer.
Reports have been flying around that both men will be signing on at Celtic Park imminently [The Herald], but as things stand we’ve yet to officially complete either deal.
And speaking to Celtic TV in his first interview of the new season, Ange has refuted transfer timelines as he states he’s simply focusing on getting the right players in instead:
“I think last year I was really keen to get people in the building. We kind of knew we’d have a few leaving as well so it was a very hectic time. I think in the January window we worked more methodically and kind of knew what we wanted, and we got them in early.
“This time, I’m not one to rush things. For me the most important thing is to get the right players in – that’s the key thing for me. And it’s not just about them as players, it’s about them as people. For that to happen, we can’t put timelines on things. Obviously the earlier we get players in the better.”
Ange not rushing things but Celtic double deal looks close
So Ange isn’t rushing his transfer work. That isn’t particularly surprising considering he was saying similar things last year. He’s always been big on ensuring that the players he signs aren’t just technically gifted and mentally strong, but also that they’re the right kind of all-round person.
That will be the caase this summer again. But even so, he’ll still want his players in as early as he can. After all, he stated before the window that he would love to get deals done before pre-season [The Scotsman]. So far, Celtic have succeeded in securing Cameron Carter-Vickers and Ben Siegrist.
Make no mistake, Ange won’t to be waiting around too long. Any new signings will surely hope to have a major involvement in our pre-season games. Given we have no competitive matches to rush people in for, pre-season gives us a great chance to integrate any new signings in a more relaxed environment.
Meanwhile, Bernabei and Jota still look close to completion. It would be a touch surprising if by the end of the week we don’t manage to sign one or both. It feels inevitable at this rate. But clearly Ange isn’t looking to put any further pressure on the situation.
Even last summer he was never one to get panicky about transfers despite the overhaul that needed done. Whether it was potential players arriving or top stars departing, nothing seemed to really faze the manager.
So it’s not a total shock to see him give off similar vibes today. Hopefully, however, we aren’t far off finalising some more deals.
In other news, Celtic provide insight into day 1 pre-season work as Harry Kewell gets stuck in
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