Brendan Rodgers has insisted that Celtic’s failure to reach the Champions League will not affect the club’s transfer budget or ambitions in the final days of the summer window.
Speaking to the press ahead of Sunday’s derby clash at Ibrox, the Celtic boss was asked directly whether the midweek penalty shootout defeat to Kairat Almaty – which consigned the Hoops to the Europa League – would impact how much they can spend.
Rodgers was firm in his response, making clear that the recruitment plans remain consistent regardless of Tuesday night’s result.
“I don’t think it will,” he said to Celtic TV. “I don’t think it will because I don’t think we were qualifying for the Champions League and going and spending, buying four players for £10 million. That was never going to happen. The guys coming in, I think, will look to make good signings. So, I don’t think it would have any impact.”
Celtic are still expected to be active in the market, with Marcelo Saracchi’s arrival imminent, Michel-Ange Balikwisha already signed, and bids tabled for winger Sebastian Tounekti. Celtic are also in talks for Kasper Dolberg, a Danish striker who is highly rated.
Despite fan frustrations over a perceived lack of urgency in the market earlier this summer, Rodgers appears to be managing expectations over blockbuster signings, instead emphasising smart recruitment and long-term planning.
With just days remaining until the window slams shut, Celtic’s next moves in the market will be closely watched – particularly with potential outgoings, such as Adam Idah and Hyunjun Yang, also on the table.
