Brendan Rodgers reveals Celtic star club ‘did not expect to lose’ in January

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Celtic were unable to get the ideal transfer business done in the January window.

Kyogo left and was not replaced and that had fans frustrated at the “shocking” work their club was unable to sort out.

Jota did arrive as did Jeffrey Schlupp on loan from Crystal Palace with left-back in mind after Kieran Tierney was not permitted to leave Arsenal until the summer.

Brendan Rodgers had hoped to get Tierney in January but the Gunners made their stance clear.

So Schlupp, despite preferring a midfield role, was signed to challenge Greg Taylor in the back four.

It was an awkward domino effect, in the end, for the Scottish Premiership champions with Schlupp only learning about interest as late in the day as 2pm on Monday.

• READ MORE: Celtic’s January 2025 Transfer Deadline Day

Celtic ‘didn’t expect’ to lose Alex Valle

And it came as another player left the Hoops, seemingly, because they hoped Tierney would become available.

Barcelona loanee Alex Valle returned to La Liga with the Spanish giants before heading out on another loan, this time to Como in Serie A.

Cesc Fabregas was pivotal in making that deal but it was one Rodgers did not “expect” to happen.

And as he spoke in detail about Schlupp’s arrival, he hinted that Valle was not one the Irishman wanted to lose.

Brendan Rodgers on Valle leaving and signing Schlupp

“Yeah, very pleased because it just happened the cover and the positions are important for us,” he said on Schlupp.

“We didn’t expect to lose Alex Valle. So then we need cover. So to bring in someone of his experience, he only spent the last decade or so in the Premier League.

“I know through people I know well at Leicester City that he’s a young player who came through there and came through the system and won the Premier League. So I had a real depth of his character and his mentality and everything else. That fitted into here perfectly.

“So yeah, I’m looking forward to seeing him come here and showcase his talents when he has the opportunity.”