Celtic manager Neil Lennon has stated that he hopes he get some money to spend from any Kieran Tierney sale.
According to the BBC, the Hoops have accepted a third bid from Arsenal in the region of £25million. It would break Celtic’s transfer record set last summer by the departure of Moussa Dembele to Lyon. That deal ended up earning Celtic a total of £19.7m (BBC).
It put a bit of a sour note on what was a terrific night for Celtic in Cluj. Lennon’s men earned a fine 1-1 draw in Romania to take back to Celtic Park. It’s clearly advantage Celtic in the race for a playoff spot for this season’s Champions League.
But questions from the BBC were put to Lennon post-match (21:09) on Tierney’s potential departure. And whilst the Hoops boss was quick to state that nothing had been finalised just yet, he did mention that he wants some money from any sale.
“I don’t know anything. I’ve said the last few days it wouldn’t surprise me [if Arsenal came back in for the player]. I don’t have any confirmation of that at all.
“I hope so (will he get any funds from the deal).
“If he goes, he goes with everyone’s best wishes. He’s an outstanding talent and a great kid.”
Neil Lennon should be given a substantial amount from any Tierney sale
This isn’t the time to be pragmatic. Nine in a row is so close to being achieved. 10-in-a-row, meanwhile, is many Celtic fans’ utopia of happiness. It would confirm our total domination over Scottish football, and is seen by many as the holy grail.
So if Celtic do end up letting Tierney go to Arsenal, much of that money should be going straight into Lenny’s transfer budget.
We already have several key positions that need sorted before the window ends. Another right-back, centre-back and central midfielder go without saying. That’s not even including replacing any other key players that leave before the window slams shut.
But if Tierney departs, we desperately need another left-back for cover. It’s easy to forget it, but Emilio Izaguirre also left the Hoops at the end of last season. That’s two left-backs if Tierney goes. And even though we signed Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, he has much to prove and needs some competition.
Andrew Gutman’s move to FC Cincinnati has already been finalised, so he won’t be available for competition either. The idea of going with Boli and Jonny Hayes just isn’t on.
Peter Lawwell needs to give Lennon exactly what he’s after from the Tierney sale. It’s essential he gets the cash to make the adjustments he feels we need. It all ends on September 2nd. The Celtic board will know what Lennon wants and it’s time for them to deliver – especially if they sanction a Tierney sale.
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