With less than two weeks to go until the Scottish Premiership season kicks off, Brendan Rodgers has laid out exactly where Celtic still need to strengthen — and he’s not sugar-coating the situation.
Speaking from Italy ahead of Celtic’s pre-season clash against Ajax in the Como Cup, the manager was clear-eyed about the work that still lies ahead in the transfer market.
“No, I think we still have some work to do,” Rodgers told Celticfc.tv when asked if he was satisfied with his current squad. “I think the players that we have in the building have been very, very good in this pre-season so far. But like I say, we have still work to do in the market.”
The Parkhead boss went further, outlining the area that remains a clear priority.
“I think it’s very clear where our gaps are in our front line, where we need support. And I’m very confident that we’ll be able to do that before the market finishes.”
Rodgers’ comments will be no surprise to supporters who have watched a summer of limited incomings and plenty of exits. Despite high hopes going into the window, only two signings can realistically be seen as first-team ready — the returning Kieran Tierney on a free from Arsenal, and Swedish winger Benji Nygren.
The step down from that is Yamada and Inamura, where Brendan has tempered expectations from the off. Ross Doohan was a simple numbers signing when Scott Bain made his exit. We’re not sure what to make of the Osmand signing and how much game time he’ll see.
Several fringe players have been moved on, but the lack of reinforcements, particularly up top, has raised eyebrows. Celtic’s forward line remains short on depth, and with a Champions League playoff looming later in August, Rodgers knows he needs more firepower.
His public admission is as much a message to the fans as it is a signal to the club’s hierarchy. The groundwork may be done in pre-season, but the squad isn’t complete.
With Celtic’s league opener fast approaching, the pressure is now on to deliver meaningful additions that can make an immediate impact — especially in the final third, where the manager sees the most pressing need.
The clock is ticking, and while Rodgers remains “very confident,” the support have seen this show before.
