Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made an intriguing admission about his club’s ability to financially compete with bigger teams.
The Hoops are currently in the US, preparing to face Manchester City this evening in their fourth friendly of pre-season.
New signing Kasper Schmeichel could make his bow for the Bhoys tonight but other than the acquisitions of the Dane and Viljami Sinisalo, there has been little transfer business to report on from Glasgow’s east end.
Fans are becoming growingly frustrated at the lack of incomings but their attention soon may turn to departures.
Some players who were surplus to requirements such as Sead Haksabanovic and Oh Hyeon-gyu have already left this summer, and one man who is attracting a wealth of interest is Matt O’Riley.
Celtic yesterday rejected a second bid for the 23-year-old from Europa League winners Atalanta.
Rodgers remains ‘relaxed’ about the situation, but the boss did admit it can be difficult for the club to financially compete with some sides.
“It’s a very difficult club (Celtic) to move on from”, he said (Celtic FC on YouTube).
“But naturally, with the wages that are on offer for players (at other clubs) then that makes it a real challenge for Celtic to compete at that level.”
In the bank, Celtic have a financial war chest, but the current wage structure at the club can’t be changed at the drop of a hat.
It remains to be seen where O’Riley will end up at the end of this summer, but if he leaves Parkhead, he will undoubtedly pick up a higher salary.
