Celtic have received a major boost with the news that Brendan Rodgers has signed a new four-year deal at Parkhead.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with chief executive Peter Lawwell (L) during the press conference
Chris Sutton has insisted in the Daily Record that Brendan Rodgers would not have signed his new deal with Celtic had he not received clear indications from the board that they will back him with the kind of funds that will allow the Hoops to make more of an impact in Europe.
Rodgers has handed the Bhoys a major boost by agreeing a new four-year deal at Parkhead, with some fans being quick to note that the contract presents him with the opportunity to potentially oversee the club’s ten Scottish Premiership titles in a row with six already in the bag.
But while a continuation of their domestic dominance will be on Rodgers’ mind, Sutton has suggested that being able to make a greater impression at the continent’s top table will be his main priority, and would have been a crucial factor during negotiations.
“Make no mistake, he would not have signed this new deal without assurances that he will be given the funds he needs to strengthen the squad to equip him to achieve their next goals,” he said, as reported by the Record.
“Progress in Europe in terms of continued presence in the Champions League will be top of those goals.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
“And it will be fascinating to see his transfer-market activity in the summer now that it’s clear he has the trust and the backing of the board.”
Though Celtic did not win any of their Champions League group-stage games this season, they certainly showed glimpses that suggest that they could become more of a force once again in the near future amongst a group that included Barcelona and Manchester City.
And if they can keep most of the current squad together and make some marquee signings during the summer, then perhaps it will not be out of the question to suggest that they can give an even better account of themselves in Europe next season.
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