Celtic will have to pay big to sign Oliver Burke permanently.
Oliver Burke has had a terrific start for Celtic since signing on loan in January.
With three goals and two assists already, the West Brom owned attacker is showing the sort of form which once prompted the Baggies to pay £15 million for him.
If Celtic were to sign him, they would need to exceed their £9 million club record spend paid for Odsonne Edouard last summer. (Sky Sports)
The Europa League ties against Valencia have come at an important time for Celtic, giving all concerned a reality check over Burke.
Brendan Rodgers chose not to start him last night, after a disappointing effort in the first leg.
Plain and simply, if Celtic are going to spend a club record fee on a player, he should be one who will be an automatic starter in a decisive European tie.
Burke was not last night, and that should give them pause for thought whether to pay up.
When he did come on, Burke could not find the breakthrough, offering two shots which both landed off target.
The step up in class was tough for the whole Celtic team to adjust to. Burke showed he isn’t quite at the level to change a European tie of this magnitude over two legs.
It’s going to be tough for Celtic to find a player who is, but that doesn’t mean they should rush into an expensive move for Burke either, if he’s not the answer.
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