Kenny Dalglish is hoping that Celtic can retain the core of their team and best players for the next 18 months, suggesting it could lead to ‘something special’ under Brendan Rodgers.
Dalglish was impressed with the level of Celtic performance against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night and has pointed to three Bhoys players who can power the team to better things over the next couple of years.
He’s especially happy that Celtic are getting such performances out of Matt O’Riley, a player signed for just £1.5m from MK Dons. Dalglish is now hoping that Celtic won’t chase big money transfer exits off the back of these European displays.
Kenny Dalglish wants Celtic squad consistency
The Celtic legend said [Sunday Post, 29/10 print edition]: “You can see that Kyogo Furuhashi is better now than this time last year. He is far more accomplished. His link-up play for the opening goal, and the finish itself, was sublime.
“Matt O’Riley played his part and his one-touch pass to put the Japanese striker through was as good a ball as you’ll see this season. I believe he cost in the region of £1.5 million from MK Dons, which is an absolute steal. He has matured and his game has improved. At 22, there is still plenty more to come and he appears to be thriving under Brendan. It was good business to tie him down on a long-term contract. He will also be benefiting from having Callum Mcgregor in beside him. Callum is hugely experienced and a knowledgeable footballer.
“It would be wonderful for the Celtic fans if they thought this team could stay together for another 18 months. Several players will be attracting interest and the business model is to sell for large transfer fees and that has been successful for them. However, it would be great for Brendan to think he could have the players he wanted to keep for the whole of next season. That could lead to something really special. But money talks in football.”
With suggestions from transfer journalists such as Fabrizio Romano that Celtic are now looking for a fee beyond £25m for O’Riley, it would take an extra-special, record-breaking bid to land him at this point.
If a club comes in with that kind of money, it’s doubtful that the Bhoys would be able to resist the sale. A team showing that level of commitment would surely be something that O’Riley would like to pursue, too.
Nonetheless, Dalglish’s argument has merit. This isn’t a team at the end of a cycle, it has significant improvement in it under Brendan Rodgers. We’re all hoping the brightest and best talents are here for another season or two.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers addresses Celtic squad depth issue after Hibs draw.
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