Former Scotland star James McFadden has admitted he still holds concerns over Celtic’s summer transfer window, but believes this year could break the cycle of key departures.
In previous seasons, Celtic’s top performers have often been snapped up by clubs from England and beyond, leaving the Hoops with the constant challenge of replacing their best players rather than simply adding to the squad.
“It’s been the case over the last few years, hasn’t it? The best players have left, there is always that worry,” McFadden said on Open Goal.
“You look at Matt O’Riley—he was the star man, Jota before him—but they’ve always found a way to deal with it.”
However, this season feels different for the pundit, with Celtic not only improving performances in Europe but also achieving better results, giving fans and players alike genuine belief.
The key difference, according to McFadden, is that Celtic now have a solid foundation to build upon rather than just hoping to maintain their level.
“But this might be different this year, even for the players.
“Look at the European campaigns over the last few years, it’s always been ‘ah, it was a good performance, unlucky, maybe next year’ and the same thing happens. Whereas this one was better results and better performances.
“You’re now looking at a team where Tierney has to come in; you’re strengthening rather than saying he’s going to leave.”
With Brendan Rodgers keen to push the team forward, fans will be hoping this summer isn’t another window of rebuilding but instead one of serious ambition.
Celtic have money in the bank, and can easily go and splash the cash on another Anre Engels or Auston Trusty.
The pair were brought to the club for big money in the summer, and they starred against Bayern on Tuesday night.
Brendan Rodgers will be keen to keep taking the step forward in Europe, so it will be down to the club to back him.
