Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be determined to strengthen his squad this summer after claiming the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup last term.
The Irishman will know there is anticipation among the Hoops support, who expect some exciting arrivals ahead of another campaign juggling the fight for domestic silverware and competing in European competition.
There is an added emphasis on Celtic’s continental performances this term as they enter the new Champions League format, where they will face eight sides in the ‘league phase’, signalling the need for strength in depth.
In light of this, 67 Hail Hail take a look at some of Rodgers’ comments in the lead-up to the market opening for business.
Brendan Rodgers’s desire to bring experience to Celtic
Late last year, Rodgers addressed the need for Celtic to shift the dial on recruitment from buying in ‘development’ players to targeting established stars. This is relevant now amid reports that the club are set to enact a transfer policy switch along these lines this window.
He stated at the time: “Listen, we have enough — what I would say — development players. I think it is clear. And I love that, it is what I have done all my life is work with those players. But you certainly need ones that can come in (to make an immediate impact). We already have a number of those development players, so it is genuine quality we hope we can bring in across the coming windows.”
I think that consensus is shared among the Celtic support, who all know that turning a profit by showcasing prodigious talent is necessary for the long-term health of the club. Still, if there is to be hope of prosperity in Europe’s premier competition, experienced additions are also necessary.
With the transfer window just open, could there be some older heads on their way to Parkhead that could complement the younger contingent already available?
Celtic’s search for stronger depth has been underway for weeks
Moving forward to mid-May, when Celtic were still in the running for the Scottish Premiership crown, Rodgers delivered a very promising observation surrounding the speed business that could be done this summer.
When asked about his plans for squad improvement, he openly admitted his wish to have ‘stronger’ depth available come 2024/25, saying: “This season has been a real challenge, the squad, (is) openly, not as strong as what I would’ve liked it to have been, but what the players have given me until this point has been absolutely brilliant.
“Our job going forward next year is to be stronger, much stronger, but that’s something that is well underway.”
The last line of this interview is very telling. Of course, transfer silly season is upon us, and media outlets are constantly putting forward players Celtic are reported to be interested in.
On the face of it, Rodgers’ comments here feed into the theory that the Hoops like to keep their business under wraps until all is said and done. Major international tournaments are ongoing; meanwhile, some targets will still be on holiday.
Either way, work will be ongoing behind the scenes. Having patience at this stage is difficult, especially as a fan, but good things will hopefully come to those who wait.
The natural change in squad cycle for Celtic this summer
Last on the table, Rodgers admitted at the end of last month that there could be a ‘natural change’ set to occur within the squad this window.
Reading between the lines, from what I perceive, there could be some departures involving long-serving players and more fringe men being offloaded, which would pave the way for some fresh blood to ensure the group keeps evolving and achieving success.
Rodgers explained: “I think there will be a natural change. The thing is we have players, some of them who will have been here for three years, and if you look at the cycle at Celtic then there is normally that change in that third year.
“So, it’s getting another step in the types of profiles that I would want within the squad to allow us to progress and to develop. But for this season, I’ve been really proud of the team and then come the summer, we will look to add those bits of quality.
“Obviously, we have got the likes of Joe (Hart) who’s retiring so we have to fill that void as well. But it’s a real bright future. We will take that into pre-season and then we will look to thrive from the beginning of next season.”
I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions on that; nevertheless, there is excitement in the air as Celtic aim to build from a position of strength by making some savvy additions.
Hopefully, there will soon be confirmation on who could walk through the Parkhead entrance this summer.