Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers laid the groundwork for incomings this summer by initiating several sales to free up squad space.
The Irishman helped push through eight new signings for the Bhoys to replenish the group, but that wouldn’t have been possible without outgoings vacating the premises.
Peripheral figures such as Hyeongyu Oh, Mikey Johnston and Benjamin Siegrist went on to new ventures. Meanwhile, Sead Haksabanovic and Tomoki Iwata followed suit.
Several others also left on loan, such as Gustaf Lagerbielke, Marco Tilio and Hyeokkyu Kwon, leaving Celtic able to push through arrivals in key areas.
Helping to fulfil one of his pledges at the club, Brendan Rodgers should be applauded for his role in proceedings.
Brendan Rodgers’ successful Celtic squad-trimming mission
Speaking last December, Rodgers admitted his ideal Celtic squad size stood at 25 players, including three goalkeepers, to provide a pathway for integration from Lennoxtown into the senior set-up.
He stated: “Ideally we’d have a squad of 25 players, 22 with three goalkeepers. In which case there will also be an opportunity for young players to come through as that’s always my first look.
“Throughout my career you’ll see a whole host of young players that I’ve always put in, guys who are 17, 18, 19 or 20. I’ve always looked to that enthusiasm and rawness of a player to bring in.
“So I’ve always looked from within. If it’s not here for whatever reason then you need to bring in from the outside.”
Evaluating the Celtic first-team squad, including his trio of goalkeepers, there are exactly 25 senior players in the building, comprising a side rich in quality and competition but not large enough that complaints over minutes can become a regular focus from members.
Brendan Rodgers’ squad happiness characterised in Celtic start
Speaking after the transfer window, Rodgers said he couldn’t ‘complain’ about Celtic’s transfer business, which is a sign of a happy manager ready to take his squad forward without a desperate want for added bodies.
Obviously, coaches always fantasise over one or two extra bits of star quality, but there is plenty of that to go around when looking at the Bhoys’ options across the pitch.
Starting the campaign in strong fashion, Celtic are on a ten-match winning run domestically. Aside from the Hoops’ Champions League blip in Dortmund, there isn’t a whole lot to be unhappy about, contrary to this stage last season.
Sometimes, taking things in recent context is the best way to assess progress. The club are in a better place on the pitch, and they certainly seem to be in a better place from an internal standpoint.
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