Some recent comments by Celtic manager Neil Lennon could indicate a shift in Celtic’s transfer policy. A shift that one could argue is much-needed.
Lennon used an interview with the Evening Times to laud Karamoko Dembele, Ewan Henderson and Mikey Johnston.
“Vital we develop our own”
He also made this very intriguing comment: “It’s important for me as a manger to bring players through from the academy. It’s vital we develop our own.”
That could indicate that the Hoops are going to focus on bringing players through the ranks. Perhaps an indication of this plan came towards the end of last season.
Loan players no longer selected
Lennon stopped selecting players who had joined the Hoops on loan. The likes of Oliver Burke and Filip Benkovic went from playing most weeks to not featuring at all for Celtic.
Would the Hoops support accept starting young players instead of loanees? A vast majority would. However, there are two things to consider.
Firstly, the loan deals would need to replaced in the squad by permanent signings. Secondly, the players brought through from the ranks can’t all be rushed into the team at the same time.
Lennon will be well-aware of that, and he will introduce the players gradually into the side.
It is only speculation at the moment, but less of a reliance on loan players and more of an emphasis on academy players would only be a good thing for Celtic.
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