Report: Celtic looking to do transfer business early

By Euan Davidson

May 14, 2021

For once, Celtic are reportedly keen to get their transfer business done early.

While Eddie Howe coming to Celtic could be delayed by the English Premier League play-offs, it doesn’t mean a wait for squad reinforcements. It seems Eddie Howe has already consulted on transfers. The Sun are suggesting that that the Bhoys will get the majority of their work done early.

In a report about potential interest in someone emerging Scottish stars, there’s arguably a more important clue about Celtic’s transfer business this summer.

A report claimed [Sun]:

“[The] Celts are eager to make signings early in the window ahead of the Champions League qualifiers.

“Odsonne Edouard looks sure to move with Albian Ajeti and Leigh Griffiths having unclear futures.”

It’d break a decade-long tradition for the club, one that supporters absolutely hate. So often, Champions League qualifiers have been our most important matches. Yet, with every summer, the club find themselves struggling to put out a strong XI.

Ah, man. / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Are Celtic finally recognising mistakes?

Given the financial incentives on offer from Europe’s biggest club competition, it seems ridiculous to have reached this point. It follows that it actually costs the club more not to qualify for the Champions League. Yet, repeatedly, Celtic have shot themselves in both feet with make-shift defences.

Last season, for example, Celtic played Ferencvaros without a recognised striker [BBC]. Against AEK Athens in 2018, there was Boyata-gate, with Brendan Rodgers blasting the defender for his lack of availability [Guardian].

It’s a constantly problem, but it’s also an entirely avoidable one. Too often, Celtic are either letting contracts run out or failing to get players’ futures sorted at the end of the prior season. It’s not a massive issue that other clubs seem to have, and it’s baffling every time.

Because, no harm to him, but Nir Bitton is not a centre-half. Yet, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see him line-up at the back against our first Champions League qualifying opponents. Again; it’s far more financially prudent to get through these games and reap the rewards. It’s saving pennies at the cost of pounds.

Not that qualification is ever guaranteed, of course, as we well know. Still, this is encouraging.

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