Brendan Rodgers spoke about bravery when the last transfer window slammed shut. Now it will take two different types of courage to make the key improvements.
Rodgers’ Double success last term was based on a refusal to panic. An ability to stay calm when the heat was turned up, to get Celtic where he needed them to be with a courage to stand by his principles. The next step is to get his squad in the shape he craves for coming challenges and that is going to require similar traits.
New faces are a must. It goes without saying quality over quantity but that also takes a certain type of bravery. As it stands, the squad is effectively weaker than it was when walking out of Hampden with the Scottish Cup. Loanees Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo were behind the winning goal at the National Stadium but they are now back with Norwich and Benfica with no deals done yet.
Joe Hart ’s departure has also left a void and signing a top-class No.1 is crucial. Celtic got it right with Artur Boruc, Fraser Forster, Craig Gordon and Hart but another Vasilis Barkas won’t cut it.
Right-back isn’t a major issue with Anthony Ralston and Alistair Johnston both involved in major international tournaments this summer, same as centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers. Greg Taylor was also away at the Euros but the pressing need to offer him proper assistance or sign an upgrade at left-back has been staring Celtic in the face for several windows.
Rodgers must make sure it gets done this time and also has to be looking for a centre-back. Liam Scales enjoyed a phenomenal season but Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki just didn’t cut it.
Stephen Welsh is dependable back-up but a real top-notcher beside Carter-Vickers in front of a classy keeper looks needed if Rodgers has any designs on an impact in the Champions League, never mind keeping the domestic door locked. Midfield is a fascinating conundrum with Matt O’Riley central to the business.
If £25million bids hit the Parkhead inbox, the Dane will surely be next to go. Reo Hatate’s spell on the sidelined last term took him off the radar of many suitors so the Japanese and skipper Callum McGregor will likely form the hub.
If O’Riley stays and Bernardo comes back the necessity will ease yet there is still a need for a quality performer to arrive. Aaron Mooy cover absences superbly before he retired last summer. The likes of Odin Thiago Holm and Tomoki Iwata just didn’t have the same effect as the Aussie.
If O’Riley goes, it is going to take big money or a shrewd eye to replace him because he was voted Player of the Year at the club last term. A gap will also need to filled if Bernardo doesn’t return.
There’s more needs out wide. The fact James Forrest had to be brought in from the cold at crunch time last term suggests Luis Palma, Nicolas Kuhn and Yang Hyun-jun have plenty of work to do to reach the required levels on a consistent basis.
Signing a ready-made matchwinning performer in the Jota mould would offer Celtic a big shot in the arm. Up front, Kyogo Furuhashi remains a lethal weapon and if Idah can be secured from Carrow Road it gives Rodgers different ways to play.
Belgian interest in Oh Hyeon-gyu suggests he’ll be joining Sead Haksabanovic and others on the way out so maybe one more hitman is needed. With over two months to go and no Champions League qualifiers, Rodgers has plenty of time to find the right pieces for his jigsaw.
The manager has no doubt identified several targets and it’s down to the club to get as many as they can. Some will be out of reach due to their demands or rival bids but when it comes to bravery in the market it doesn’t just mean how much you spend. It also means being patient.
Having the bravery to wait for the ones you really want instead of just taking ones you can get right now. Getting the majority of targets prior to SPFL kick-off is the ideal scenario as it also offers a good period to bed-in before the Champions League but it’s not always possible.
There is a major difference between being sharp and being downright hasty. It takes bravery not just to make the big buys but also to wait to ensure you are getting the right ones.
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