Celtic have signed two goalkeepers this summer but supporters are still waiting for the first outfield players to arrive at the club.
With the Scottish Premiership kick-off just a week away, it’s a frustrating situation for plenty of fans.
While recognising the difficulties of the market, everyone wants to see Celtic be the best possible version of itself and that involves strengthening the squad at every available opportunity.
Right now, you couldn’t say the team is stronger than it was when it got over the line of a league and cup double at the end of last season.
Earlier this week, Brendan Rodgers reiterated his desire to bring new players in and former striker Chris Sutton it was a public message directed at the Celtic board.
Chris Sutton on Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic transfer comments
The pundit said [Daily Record]: “Brendan Rodgers was addressing the Celtic supporters when he was asked about transfers over in the United States. But the message he delivered was for the Parkhead board. Rodgers can be very cute with his communication at times and sometimes it leaves room to read between the lines.
“By name-checking chief executive Michael Nicolson and chief finance officer Chris McKay when asked for the state of play by the Scottish newspaper journalists in America, it’s hard not to think there was another message being delivered.
“Rodgers basically said he was doing his part with the squad and it was now over to them to deliver the new signings. I’m not sure if it’s applying a bit of pressure, but it’s definitely a sense of, ‘right, it’s over to you guys’. They do need to get to work. Celtic have looked sharp in pre-season but we all know they are still short in vital areas of the team.
“They only have one striker on the books right now in Kyogo and Rodgers also said he wants two more. We know Adam Idah is the main one he wants back but another one is required and you’d think it would be a young prospect or even a loan player. You also look at left back, centre half, the midfield and perhaps also out wide.”
No rift at Celtic but urgency is required
It’s important to point out that Rodgers has always been very quick to point out he has a good relationship with senior figures at Celtic. There’s no massive rift here. But what Sutton says rings true.
A bit of urgency is now required at the club. With targets likely identified, scouted and signed off on by now it’s up to the negotiation teams to deliver what the manager wants.
Celtic have the resources available to not get too drawn into the minute details of transfers and contracts. Nobody wants the Scottish champions to be ripped off, but meeting other clubs’ fair value of a player isn’t unreasonable.
The squad needs an injection of quality and if Rodgers is indeed giving a public nudge to those above him then he’s perfectly within his rights to do that.
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