Rumours linking Celtic with a move for Koen Casteels [MailSport] have sparked discussions about the club’s wage structure, which has remained largely unchanged for the past 15 years. While Casteels’ potential transfer is only a rumour at this point, it highlights a significant issue: Celtic’s outdated approach to player salaries.
Casteels, who has now left Wolfsburg and is expected to be in demand after the Euros, reportedly earned over £70,000 a week in Germany. [Capology] For Celtic, this kind of wage is currently out of reach unless there is a major shift in policy. Michael Nicholson, the club’s CEO, would need to make an exception to the longstanding wage limits if such a high-profile signing were to happen.
For over a decade, Celtic’s wage structure has been rigid, with little flexibility to accommodate top-tier salaries. This approach might have served its purpose in the past, but in today’s competitive football landscape, it seems increasingly outdated. If Celtic aim to be more than just participants in the Champions League, they need to invest significantly in player talent.
The reality is that success in Europe demands more than just a robust team spirit; it requires financial commitment. Celtic have often been seen as underdogs in the Champions League, frequently outmatched by clubs willing to spend big on key players. To change this narrative, the club must be prepared to loosen its purse strings and drop the ‘happy to be here’ attitude that has saw the team getting beating after beating in the group stages.
Looking at Casteels as an example, his experience and quality would be a substantial asset. However, his wage demands highlight the gap between what Celtic currently offer and what top players expect. Unless Nicholson and the board are willing to rethink their strategy, the club will likely continue to miss out on such talent.
The focus will probably turn elsewhere for Joe Hart’s replacement if Celtic stick to their traditional wage structure. While there are undoubtedly other capable goalkeepers available, the club must recognise that in order to compete at the highest levels, they need to be flexible with their finances.
If the club genuinely aspires to make a mark in Europe, it’s time to back that ambition with the necessary financial commitment. Otherwise, they risk remaining on the fringes of success, outgunned by more financially daring clubs.
