Celtic’s transfer strategy has been one which for the most part has been fairly predictable in the last few seasons. The Hoops have set out to sign a player for a bargain price, and then sell them on for a huge profit.
In the meantime, the player’s replacement will already be at the club, so he can take over when the player is sold for a large profit.
Perhaps the most successful example of this formula in action is Moussa Dembele, who joined the Hoops for a reported fee of around £500,000, and was then sold to Lyon for £19.7 million.
Whilst Dembele was still at Celtic, the Hoops brought in Odsonne Edouard, initially on loan. He then joined the Hoops on a permanent deal, a few months before Dembele completed his move to France.
Sensible piece of transfer business

That was a very sensible bit of business by Celtic. The Hoops will hope to repeat this strategy with the recent signing of Patryk Klimala.
The Hoops paid £3.5 million for the striker. However, the hope will be that in a few seasons time the player can be sold for treble that amount.
In the meantime, Klimala could eventually be Edouard’s replacement when he eventually leaves Celtic. Just like how Edouard ended up being Dembele’s replacement.
Formula could work for years to come

That is a formula that could work for Celtic for many years to come. The same could be said for Ismaila Soro, who Neil Lennon confirmed is close to joining the Hoops. He could well be Scott Brown’s replacement in the future, and then when he is sold off in a few years his replacement will already be at the club.
Hopefully Klimala stays at Celtic for a few seasons. However, it can only be a good thing for the Hoops if he performs so well that the club are able to secure a hefty transfer fee for the striker.
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