‘Tells you everything’… Pundit explains why Brendan Rodgers doesn’t ‘fancy’ new Celtic recruits

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Since Brendan Rodgers returned, Celtic have struggled to identify first-team-ready players to come in and make an impact at Parkhead.

Out of the batch of individuals that arrived in Glasgow last summer, very few have made a worthwhile contribution in green and white.

Luis Palma has probably been the pick of the bunch in Rodgers’ side this term, considering that he has racked up eight goals and ten assists in 28 appearances [Transfermarkt].

Nevertheless, the Honduran’s influence has started to wane a little, leading to him being substituted at half-time last weekend against Kilmarnock after struggling to impact proceedings.

Beyond that, Portugal Under-21 midfielder Paulo Bernardo enjoyed a purple patch over the Christmas period, with his crowning moment coming against Rangers at the tail end of last year, as his opening strike set the tone for the Hoops’ 2-1 Glasgow Derby victory.

He has been the man to make way recently amid Rodgers’ tactical switch to a two-man strikeforce in an attempt to accommodate Kyogo Furuhashi.

According to reports, Bernardo’s loan deal contains an option to buy him from Benfica that is estimated to be worth £6 million, though it is unclear whether he has done enough to justify pushing the button.

Maik Nawrocki deserves an honourable mention, as he could become a Celtic regular if given the appropriate time.

Despite this, too many recruits simply haven’t justified being brought to the club, minus winter additions Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn, whom we only have had a handful of games to judge.

Pundit explains Brendan Rodgers’ doubt in new Celtic players

Rodgers likes to build a rapport with certain individuals he has taken a shine to, as can be seen in the emergence of Liam Scales this season.

Speaking on PLZ Soccer, pundit Lee McCulloch has explained why he thinks that isn’t always the case with other players, with Celtic’s relatively new stars coming under the microscope.

He stated: “When you look at his track record of signing players, it’s actually quite good, isn’t it? Like Edouard and a couple of the forward players.

“That is what he has been proven in. This season, I don’t think they are his type of players. It tells you everything that he is not playing his signings.

“He is either hanging himself out to dry for the board, or he is basically saying I didn’t really fancy them in the first place.”

Manager all have their own separate way of dealing with situations; nevertheless, it has been apparent that not every new signing has piqued the interest of Rodgers, with Gustaf Lagerbielke’s strange circumstances springing to mind.

Will Celtic be able to rectify their confusing recruitment strategy come the next transfer window? Honestly, it is anyone’s guess, and we can only wait and see what they produce in the market.