Well-regarded journalist Stephen McGowan has criticised Celtic for what he sees as taking advantage of their fans this summer, pointing to the club’s lack of significant transfer activity despite substantial financial expectations placed on supporters.
McGowan’s comments echo a growing frustration among the Celtic fanbase regarding Celtic’s approach to strengthening the squad.
Despite the signings of Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah, which totalled around £13-14 million, these were anticipated moves and are not viewed as improvements to the squad that ended last season. The club also brought in Kasper Schmeichel to replace the retiring Joe Hart and signed Viljami Sinisalo as a prospective future number one, yet these moves have not addressed key areas of concern.
Fans are particularly displeased with the defensive setup, with Liam Scales still a starting center-back and Greg Taylor as the sole established left-back. Additionally, the lack of depth on the wings and the delay in securing another striker have been points of contention.
Speaking to PLZ Soccer, McGowan expressed his views bluntly: “Celtic have rinsed their supporters this summer. Celtic still have time to put that right in the final weeks of the window.
“I’ve got a friend I pay five-a-sides with, he’s talking about paying £618 for a season book, £150 for Champions League tickets, £50 for his Scottish Cup final ticket, then he’s got merchandise.
“That’s a lot of money to pay, and what are you getting back for that?
“The money is in the bank and they’re not signing players.”
