Brendan Rodgers delivers his final verdict on Celtic’s summer transfer window after public criticism

Add as preferred source on Google

Ahead of the final week of the summer transfer window, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was not shy in his criticism of the club’s recruitment.

Urging money to be spent instead of hoarded and making it clear he’d have preferred signings in the door far earlier, Rodgers dished out public criticism of the club’s board.

It’s fair to say that sparked Celtic into action. The recruitment team and money men went on to deliver four signings before the deadline – Alex Valle, Auston Trusty, Luke McCowan and £11m record signing Arne Engels.

Speaking before watching his Bhoys team beat Rangers on Sunday, it’s now also apparent that Rodgers is a far happier man with the options he has available.

Rodgers says he now ‘cannot complain’ about Celtic transfers

The manager told BBC Radio Scotland: “The club have done great in terms of ins and outs. We’ve had to move people on so there’s been a lot of work going on over a number of months.

“If you look at our squad and the bench that we’ve had and featured in so many games, we needed to strengthen it and I feel we’ve done that.

“That’s a big applause to the club for getting the work done and we’ve brought in some fantastic players who can help us over the course of the season.

“They’re still finding out how we work, and the system and all the intricacies. I’m very happy to be able to bring that depth to the squad, it’s some fantastic players we’ve brought in and they’re going to really be able to help us.”

In a post-match press conference, Rodgers noted that every manager would like a bit more from the window but that he “cannot complain” and was “very happy” with the business done.

Rating Celtic’s summer window

Was the summer period perfect for Celtic? Of course not. It’s always challenging to bring in quality players that improve the existing squad but the early signs are that the club have managed to achieve this.

Shifting more than 13 players out the door is hard to do too, as Rodgers notes. The only frustrating exit was Matt O’Riley’s but then we all understand Celtic’s place in the wider football world and the reality of accepting massive bids.

Ultimately I would probably give the work completed a high seven or eight out of ten. Really solid, and positive for the club but not beyond expectations. The club did what was needed. Now we get to see how it all plays out on the biggest stage in an expanded Champions League.