Celtic have been on many interesting transfer roads over the years.
When Brendan Rodgers returned to Celtic in 2023, within months of him coming back, there were chants of ‘sack the board’ from the fans during the home defeat to Hearts.
This wasn’t aimed at Rodgers, but at those making the big calls at the top of the tree and how those ready-made stars weren’t being signed.
For over a decade now, Celtic have dominated in Scotland and those paying their money want more ambition in the market.
Time and time again, those unknown gems have arrived and then transformed into superstar players, such as, the club-record transfer sale of, Matt O’Riley.
The money that came in for O’Riley allowed Celtic to go big during the recent summer transfer window and it surprised Andy Walker.
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Surprise at Celtic paying big transfer fees for Arne Engels and Adam Idah
As one record amount of money comes in for O’Riley, Celtic didn’t waste any time in putting £11 million on the table for midfielder, Arne Engels.
On top of that, after his successful loan spell, Adam Idah was also signed for £9 million and Walker admitted that he didn’t expect the club to go to such levels.
Walker explained whether it will happen again under Rodgers because Celtic have a set way of how they go about things, as he told Go Radio.
“It’s not just Brendan Rodgers involved in signing players,” said Walker. “You have got a club who have got a successful model in signing players.
“I think Celtic sign players for the club and the manager works with them. Obviously, he has had a bit more of an input, because the last time around, it was all a bit messy and they all got upset with each other.
“This time around, Celtic spending £11 million on Engels and £9 million on Idah. I didn’t think they would get to that level of spending.
“Would they do it again? I think you sign for the club. The interesting one is the manager because, would you allow a Brendan Rodgers just to say, ‘I am not signing an extension. I am happy to go in a year’s time’.
“Would you still sign the same level of player? I think it’s an interesting one for the club.”
Engels’ Champions League performances
There needs to be patience with Engels because, on occasions, he has showcased his brilliance and then there have been those struggles.
At the end of the day, he is only 21 and you sense that the best will come next season after he has had 12 months of football under his belt.
But, in the Champions League this season, Walker has no complaints from what he has seen from Engels and thinks he has impressed.
“Very impressive,” responded Walker on Engels in Europe this season.
“Exactly where you would expect and want him to shine given the amount of money that Celtic spent on him.”
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