Even though Celtic are one of the biggest clubs in the world, there is one area they simply can no longer compete in, and that’s financially.
Yes, Celtic as a whole can do more to push the boat out in that aspect, but whether it’s transfer fees or wages, it’s a different world, especially compared to English football.
When Kyogo Furuhashi left Celtic for Rennes in January 2025, links started to emerge around a possible move for then-Aston Villa forward Louie Barry.
Nothing advanced, as the rising Aston Villa star secured a loan move to Hull City, and now he has joined League One side, Sheffield Wednesday.
It has also emerged, as Barry exits Villa Park, that he was earning ‘around £40k-a-week’ with the 2026 Europa League winners, that’s according to well-sourced Midlands reporter, Jacob Tanswell, on social media.
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Celtic had no chance with Louie Barry
Around that time, Celtic were linked with Barry; he was on loan at League One side Stockport County, which was his first spell with the club.
Then there were two loan spells at Hull City and Sheffield United – both in the Championship.
Before re-joining Stockport last January. He has now secured a permanent contract with Sheffield Wednesday.
Celtic had no chance to secure Barry’s services because if it’s true he was earning those wages, then it’s proof of how English football is just running far into the distance.
Remember, Celtic’s club-record transfer is Arne Engels at £11 million.
But back in 2024, Villa’s bitter rivals, Birmingham City, when they were relegated to League One, signed striker Jay Stansfield for ‘more than £15 million.’
That in itself proves how the champions of Scotland can no longer compete with certain leagues across Europe, although it’s still not an excuse for this board to still act in the manner in which they continue to do.
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