Brendan Rodgers is on the verge of delivering another Scottish Premiership title for Celtic.
You can’t argue that it hasn’t been a rough ride because the soon-to-be champions have put themselves in a number of holes this term.
But when it has mattered most, Celtic have knocked that door down and blew Rangers away, just like they did on Saturday in the 2-1 win in the Glasgow derby.
And now Celtic only need one point from their remaining two matches, or Rangers just dropping points, and the title remains at Parkhead.
It still probably doesn’t paper over some of the issues this term, one of them being recruitment and the type of business conducted, especially during the summer transfer window.
There needs to be serious improvement in that department when the transfer window re-opens and fans will be expecting the club to spend.
But it could also depend on who Celtic can keep beyond this season, especially a certain Matt O’Riley.
The 23-year-old joined the club in 2022 from MK Dons, and this season, he has been the club’s best player, as he proved when he opened the scoring against Rangers.
But James McFadden feels all of that just now makes it ‘very difficult’ for the Bhoys to keep hold of their star playmaker beyond the season, as he told Sky Sports Football (11/05/24 at 2:50 pm).
There was January transfer interest from Atletico Madrid and given the calibre of player O’Riley is, you can just sense someone knocking on the door again.
Matt O’Riley’s performances for Celtic
“I think it would be very difficult for (O’Riley to stay) for how much he has come on,” said McFadden.
“You could see when he first came in how good a player he could be. This season, he has shown how good a player he is. His first touch is outstanding. A lot of the stuff you see, it catches the eye. But he does a shift as well.
“His intelligence to play the position. When he is closing down, he wins the ball back really well. But the stuff that matters, around about the box, his awareness, how to shift his body to make sure that he’s in the right position. He just knows exactly what he is doing. He knows exactly what he is doing before he gets it.”
Celtic’s summer transfer window
For over a decade now, Celtic have been dominating the domestic scene and that can continue in the cup final later on this month.
That’s why it’s fair for the fans to suggest that when the powers that be look to bring players in, they should keep the Champions League in mind.
READ MORE: Celtic’s ‘outstanding’ £3m target tipped for ‘incredible career’ by Hoops hero
The level of performance in Europe’s elite competition this term simply weren’t good enough and changes need to be made.
Yes, Rodgers himself needs to improve, but he needs some help in the transfer market.
That required signing players with some know-how of the competition, which means spending big money, so it is time to put your money where your mouth is Celtic.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
