Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is already looking for summer signings.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he thinks the Bhoys will have new signings in place before the Champions League qualifiers this summer.
Last season, Celtic started their Champions League qualifying campaign on July 12th, losing 1-0 away in Gibraltar as they took on Lincoln Red Imps.
Rodgers had just one new signing at his disposal that night, as Moussa Dembele started the game, before embarking on a remarkable season, in which he has scored 32 goals in 47 games.
Celtic are now preparing for another Champions League qualifying campaign, having already tied up the Scottish Premiership title in record-breaking fashion.
Rodgers’ men have dropped just six points this season, winning the title without losing a game – and Celtic are just weeks away from completing an unbeaten league campaign.
Celtic’s success this season and subsequent Champions League qualification should help Celtic in the transfer market, with Rodgers seemingly keen to add more players of the qualify of Dembele and Scott Sinclair, who arrived last summer.
Now, manager Rodgers has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he anticipates swift signings to help Celtic in the Champions League qualifiers, and specifically wants ‘game-changing’ players who will help take the Bhoys to the next level.
Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers
Rodgers added that he has discussed his budget with the Celtic hierarchy, and whilst he knows that he doesn’t have a blank chequebook, he thinks the board will back him to the hilt when it comes to investing in new signings.
“Yes. I would like to think going into the qualifiers we’ll be a stronger squad,” said Rodgers when asked about new signings. “We’ll retain the ones we have and then, touch wood, be able to make the additions we want. I think there is a real happiness in the group because of how they’re being asked to play and how we work. I think they see the benefits of it. And our goals are beyond this season.”
“A manager will always tell you three when asked how many they want to sign. But it really is a limited amount. The players I’d like to bring in could make a real impact and help the boys here – game-changing players. I look at the needs of the squad and try and project the developments of players here. I’m preparing for another 60-game season. So I need a good squad, one that’s tight and that’s spirit is good.”
“I’ve had those (budget) conversations. We know exactly where we are with all of that. There will always be a ceiling, I respect that. It’s not an open chequebook but I feel the board will always do everything they possibly can to get the right types of players in that we want. But it’s always based around affordability. Ultimately you need to know who is available and then you can make your case from there,” he added.
Who would you like to see Celtic sign this summer?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
