Jackie McNamara is right. Celtic should never build around loan signings. They can help. But they should never become the club’s way of building a squad.
Celtic have enjoyed their biggest successes by signing players, developing them and watching them grow into the team. That approach has brought trophies, Champions League football and healthy transfer profits.
There are times when a loan is the right move. Those moments should be rare, not routine.
What’s your stance on Celtic’s use of the loan market?
Celtic should be building their own squad
McNamara isn’t a fan of loan deals. Recent experience backs him up.
The former Celtic captain said on Not Another Football Podcast, “It is hard to like loans unless they become permanent.
“But you know, you just feel they’re there to get games, get minutes, they’re not playing at their own club or it’s not worked out. I’m not a lover.
“Obviously, we used loans a couple of times in management, but in terms of your club, I don’t think it’s great.”
Celtic should only borrow players they plan to buy
Loans make far more sense when Celtic already know they want to keep the player.
Celtic loaned six players last season with only Julian Araujo and Marcelo Saracchi making any real impact.
The other four barely featured, and if they were used, made next to no impact on Celtic’s results.
Celtic are using their coaches, their wages and their matchdays to increase another club’s asset. Unless the club intend to buy them, that should be a last resort, not a habit.
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