Journalist Mark Hendry has voiced strong concerns over Celtic’s current transfer approach, highlighting a shift away from last season’s ambition and suggesting Brendan Rodgers’ long-term future could be in question.
In his latest Substack column for CeltsAreHere, Hendry reflects on the manager’s return to the club in 2023 on a three-year deal, a move which initially brought optimism and silverware. Since then, Rodgers has delivered four trophies and committed to this season, telling fans he’s “200 percent” focused on the job. But with his deal expiring in 2026 and no sign yet of an extension, Hendry believes there may be doubts from within the boardroom.
“There may already be a feeling from inside the boardroom that suggests they don’t expect Rodgers to be in the dugout beyond 2025/26,” Hendry wrote.
He argues that the current lack of transfer urgency points to a return to Celtic’s traditional financial model.
Last year, the club backed Rodgers with major investment, record fees were spent on Adam Idah and Arne Engels, while Jota, Paulo Bernardo, and Auston Trusty also came in for considerable sums. That spending was seen as a clear effort to compete in Europe.
This summer, however, has told a different story. January’s lack of a new striker and a quiet current window have fuelled frustration. “No striker arrived… and whether fans admit it or not, the support wasn’t happy with the business — and neither was Rodgers.”
Hendry suggests that Celtic’s hesitancy in the market, combined with Rodgers’ contract situation, could point to the club preparing for a post-Rodgers transition. Whether that is truly the case remains to be seen, but his analysis paints a picture of the growing uncertainty that the Celtic fanbase is feeling.
