Brendan Rodgers is heading into his final 12 months as the Celtic manager.
In Rodgers’ second spell in charge, he has delivered back-to-back doubles, including narrowly missing on a Treble during the recently concluded campaign.
But for the powers that be to persuade the Celtic manager to stay on, they need to back him during the upcoming summer transfer market.
The recent season ended in a strange manner because Celtic’s Scottish Cup final defeat was a sore one, but in the overall picture, you can’t argue too much, especially with the 55th Premiership title being put on the table.
But is there a dark-ish cloud hanging over Celtic’s head this summer, especially given that big money was spent on players last time out?
That was put on the table of the Open Goal panel.
James McFadden on Celtic nerves over Auston Trusty, Arne Engels and Adam Idah transfers
Auston Trusty, Adam Idah, and Arne Engels were the big money buys last summer, especially the latter being the club’s record transfer at £11 million.
James McFadden seemingly agreed that there will be a sense of ‘nervousness’ going into this upcoming window because of the question marks over the ‘£26 million’ they spent on the above trio.
But the former Scotland midfielder was keen to defend Idah’s performances, and point towards his 20 goals this term.
Si Ferry asked: “Will there be a nervousness about recruitment in the summer as well? Based on last (summer). Trusty, Engels, and Idah. £26 million. Have they been good enough for the money that has been spent on them?”
McFadden responded: “It’s hard because Idah is 20 goals this season. You can look at the overall play, but you are getting goals off him. Ultimately, that’s his job.
“Nervousness? There might be. They still won the league at a canter. It’s a massive upset. It shouldn’t really be that big of an upset for Aberdeen to beat Celtic in a cup final, but it is.
“I think what it shows is that there needs to be investment. There needs to be strengthening done. I know that would have been the case, no matter what. I think there will be. That’s what happens when you lose a game. The fans start to question the value you are getting.”
Celtic sent a clear Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda transfer message
But whilst Celtic will be looking to bulk up their squad, the club will also be worried about who they might lose because Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda will be at the top of many clubs’ lists.
McFadden stated that, amid the talk of ‘strengthening’ the squad, they need to make sure that their Japanese duo stay on board.
“You notice how much you miss Hatate,” added McFadden. “Hatate is a player, I know, who has come in for a bit of stick.
“Sometimes in games, it looks like he isn’t that bothered, but it’s just the way he plays. You notice what you are missing when he isn’t playing.
“The big issue will be, as much as you need to strengthen, you need to make sure that you keep Hatate and Maeda.”
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