Brendan Rodgers has given a quietly positive update on Celtic’s transfer plans ahead of next Wednesday’s Champions League playoff first leg against Kairat Almaty.
With Kyogo and Nicolas Kühn gone and Jota ruled out until next year, there’s still a chance Celtic could bring in an attacker before the tie.
Rodgers confirmed that if a deal is done in time, the new player can be added to the squad for the first leg. That gives the club some flexibility in the final days, even with the pressure on. The priority seems to be a forward or wide player to strengthen the attacking options after recent exits and injuries.
Despite the noise around transfers, Rodgers didn’t want to get drawn into more speculation. He pointed out that the club’s position hasn’t changed and admitted there’s only so many ways to say the same thing. Still, his comments suggest there’s hope something can be done before the European clash.
With the clock running down and Champions League progression on the line, there will be plenty of focus on whether Celtic can get a deal over the line. A late addition would show intent and give the squad a lift, but as things stand, it’s a waiting game.
He said: (Celtic FC YouTube),”Hopefully would be the answer to that. We have right up until I believe it’s the day before the game to change your squad, so hopefully that can be the case.
“I think we’ve said it all along, and I don’t want to dwell too much on it.
“It’s been constant and I’m not clever enough for you guys to say the same thing 20 times differently. So we hope that we can improve it, and hopefully by then we will do.”
A timely signing before Wednesday’s game would bolster a squad that has seen its attacking options stretched, especially with a striker or winger most likely to fill the gap. With Kyogo and Kühn gone and Jota sidelined, the need for fresh legs and creativity is plain to see.
Rodgers’ message, though brief, carries a sense of guarded optimism. He has emphasised that doors remain open right up to the eve of the match, and his delivery suggests that the club remains active behind the scenes. It is a reminder that in football, moments of urgent business often unfold in the final stretch.
For supporters, the coming days promise a blend of hope and anticipation. Will Celtic pull off a deal that could sway Champions League qualification? Only time will tell, but the groundwork appears to be in place.
Whatever transpires, one thing is clear: Celtic will head into their European test with renewed focus and, potentially, reinforcements to aid their cause.
