Brendan Rodgers has backed last summer’s headline signings, defending the club’s outlay and insisting the players brought in offered precisely what Celtic needed, especially in Europe.
The Hoops spent heavily in 2024, with the club moving away from their usual model of recruiting low-cost, raw talent with resale value in mind. That shift raised eyebrows, particularly as some fans questioned whether the performances matched the investment.
But Rodgers stood firm this week, pointing out that players have no say in the fees attached to their names — and underlining the key roles each summer arrival played across the campaign.
“There was a bit of focus around the players who came in last year and question marks around what they brought,” Rodgers told the Daily Record.
“For one, they didn’t set the price. But, two, Celtic did as well as they’ve done for a decade and those guys really helped us.
“Trusty was outstanding in the Champions League. Engels, his running power, was really helpful for us, he’s a young player who will get better.
“Idah scored over 20 goals and still has improvements to make. It depends on perspective. I felt we needed physicality and power for the Champions League and that really helped us.
“Those players have still more to develop. Whether a player costs £250,000 or £12m, I’m not really concerned. I’ve seen and worked with players who have cost more but others who have cost less but are much better players.
“I’m not really fixated on, ‘I need £10m, £15m or whatever’ – I just need quality players.”
Rodgers has made it clear that he is still looking to recruit quality players this window, and it’s a must.
Rumours over Yang’s future, whether it’s down south or elsewhere in Europe, aren’t going away, which would leave Celtic with James Forrest and Daizen Maeda on the wings.
Brendan Rodgers may also look to strengthen at centre back. Despite his high praise for Trusty, he didn’t quite manage to nail down a starting spot in the team.
This week will give a clear indication as to who Celtic have actually added to their staring XI. Tierney will replace Greg Taylor and you’d expect Nygren to start in midfield on flag day, but who starts up top is still up in teh air. Will it be £9.5m Adam Idah, Johnny Kenny, PL2 experienced Callum Osmand or £1.5m Shen Yamada?
