We’ve all seen the James Forrest to Liverpool story now, and plenty have had their say on whether there’s anything in it.
An exclusive from the Scottish Sun had Jurgen Klopp monitoring the Scotland international. His form for both club and country this season has the Kop manager impressed apparently.
That was all very well and good, but one part of the story caught the eye more than anything else. The idea that Liverpool could get the 16-goal winger for £8million.
The idea is that, according to the source, Celtic wouldn’t sell for anything less than £8million. That’s true, but the truth is that the Hoops also wouldn’t accept for anything close to as little as seven figures.
Forrest has only just recently signed a new deal at Parkhead. Back in September, he committed his future to Glasgow until 2022. Therefore, there’s no reason to believe Celtic have to accept anything less than top dollar.
Forrest has also been one of the main heavy-hitters in Rodgers’ double-treble winning squad. He’s scored big goals and massively increased on his end-product since the Northern Irishman arrived at Parkhead.
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Celtic don’t sell players for low fees anymore
History is also on Celtic’s side when it comes to doing a deal for Forrest.
Only last season, Celtic accepted an offer in the region of £6million for Stuart Armstrong. This is the same Armstrong that was in and out of the Hoops side and in the final year of his contract. To therefore say that Forrest is just £2million more than him despite being tied down for the long-term, is all madness.
Then you look at the other end of the spectrum.
Celtic’s top stars haven’t been leaving for anything other than eight figures since Aiden McGeady’s then record-breaking departure to Spartak Moscow back in 2010.
Moussa Dembele, Fraser Forster, Virgil Van Dijk, and Victor Wanyama have all departed for £10m-upwards.
Considering the fact Forrest falls into the same bracket in terms of importance, he won’t be going on the cheap.
Celtic hold all the aces in any potential deal. A key player on a long-term contract who wants to stay. Any deal that comes close to £8m will be laughed right out of Parkhead.