Record Sport journalist Keith Jackson has cast a critical eye over Celtic’s transfer strategy, questioning whether last summer’s £26 million outlay will deliver the kind of financial returns that have underpinned the club’s model for years.
Celtic haven’t made many high-profile moves so far this summer, but there has been steady activity across the squad, and CeltsAreHere understands the board remain open to sanctioning big fees again – if the right opportunity arises.
However, Jackson believes that recent business has drifted from the club’s tried-and-tested approach.
“His [Rodgers’] problem is, he spent £26m last summer and I’m not sure that any one of the three players Celtic signed would turn a profit if the board decided to sell them tomorrow,” Jackson said on RecordSport’s Hotline. “That’s where it conflicts with the well-known model that Celtic’s board have employed over the years.”
The club’s traditional model has long relied on identifying value in developing talent, later selling players on at a premium. But Rodgers’ second spell began with a change in direction, bringing in more ready-made options in an attempt to shore up the squad for Champions League football.
“They went a different way last summer,” Jackson added, “but Brendan Rodgers can conversely point to the amount of money they got in through the Champions League to justify that that money was spent.”
There’s still belief within the club that players like Arne Engels, Adam Idah and Auston Trusty can step up this season.
“There’s a lot of potential in Arne Engels, same with Adam Idah but he has a lot to prove this season,” Jackson continued. “Auston Trusty could have a big season, and Brendan Rodgers has proven he can improve players if he’s given time to work with them.”
As the new campaign approaches, the challenge for Rodgers will be not only to deliver success on the pitch, but also ensure his squad delivers value in the boardroom – aligning Celtic’s current ambitions with its longer-term financial blueprint.
Celtic still need to bring in a few players to just maintain the squad quality from last season, never mind progress.
