Brendan Rodgers says there is nothing ‘imminent’ in terms of incoming transfers after the capture of new Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke through the week.
The Celtic boss is still hoping for new signings between now and the end of the transfer window but has suggested that the club could be left waiting on late deals for the calibre of talent they want to bring into the club.
Plenty of rumours are swirling around right now, but the manager isn’t in a rush to comment on individuals and doesn’t think any deals are particularly close.
Rodgers said [Scottish Daily Mail, 19/08 print edition page 107]: “There are obviously names that will get thrown out there but there’s nothing to say on them. There’s nothing imminent. I still think we need to improve the squad in certain key positions.
“It’s never straightforward, especially when you are looking to get talented players. But I would hope, by the end of the window, we would have done some more business.”
It’s perhaps not the answer some of the more anxious fans were hoping to hear, but it’s based in reality nonetheless. It takes time to put together moves for the best players, many of whom won’t make firm decisions on their futures until very late in the window.
Two of the best signings of recent years, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota, didn’t arrive until deadline day in 2021 for example.
What’s important is that Celtic are still in the market to improve and the manager continues to make that clear. Moves are being worked on and it sounds like the Bhoys are eager to bring in real quality.
But for now, it’s a waiting game.
In other news, “You can tell straight away in training”; New Celtic Bhoy already impressing Rodgers at Lennoxtown.
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