While Celtic’s transfer activity has received plenty of justified criticism over the last 12 months, the club have done excellently to tie down key playing assets.
Kyogo Furuhashi signed a new long-term deal at the start of the season, as did Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.
In January, Cameron Carter-Vickers followed, committing himself to the Bhoys with a bumper contract until the summer of 2029.
Celtic spent £6m on Carter-Vickers after a footballing education at Tottenham Hotspur, which involved loans at various clubs in England. The defender had been on the radar of cash-rich English clubs for years but it was the Bhoys who invested in his potential.
Brentford’s Head of Individual Development Steven Pressley reckons any initial doubts or concerns English scouts had about his ability have now been overcome – making Celtic’s contract move even more important.
Steven Pressley on Cameron Carter-Vickers’ development
Pressley said [Daily Record]: “Celtic did well to get him on a long-term contract because I am sure there are plenty of suitors out there for him. When you look around, there aren’t lots of top centre-backs and that was good business for Celtic.
“My one concern about him in terms of English football was size. That’s the one thing because there are bigger, athletic players down there than there are in Scotland.
“However, I feel his game has developed to the point where he can use his experience and body extremely well in duels. I don’t think that size aspect is such a problem for him to play at the top level now. Early in your career as a centre-back, when you don’t have that experience, it can affect you. But, once you understand and learn the game, then the size can be countered.
“Nobody in England had doubts over his mentality, desire or ability. The size issue was also a concern. But he’s now countered that and has grown a lot as a player at Celtic. He’s playing every week, he’s developed and done very well. He does the basics very well and people forget about that sometimes.”
Carter-Vickers has lots more to give Celtic
After such a difficult 12 months battling back from surgery and several injury setbacks, Carter-Vickers is in a fantastic position to push on with Celtic.
He’s happy, motivated and eager to stay with the Bhoys long-term, so it would now take a monster bid for any interested party to come in and get him.
Still just 26, he’s a leader in the defence and in the dressing room, filling in as captain for Callum McGregor when the midfielder is out of action.
He’ll be a crucial part of any success at the end of this season and in years to come. We’re lucky to have him, especially now he is realising his full potential.