Celtic are preparing for a big summer in the transfer market, with reports suggesting the club is ready to break its transfer record to land headline signings. Journalist Scott Burns has revealed that those at the top of the club are determined to back Brendan Rodgers and keep him in charge beyond next season, when his current deal is due to expire.
Rodgers guided Celtic to the Champions League knockout play-offs this season, and the board are understood to be keen to show their ambition in Europe with top-quality signings.
Last summer saw Celtic pay a club-record £11 million for Arne Engels, and Burns says there’s no hesitation in going beyond that figure if the right player becomes available.
The club are also expected to benefit financially from player sales and potential sell-on clauses this summer, giving them added resources to strengthen. With the focus on Champions League progression, the push for quality additions is set to be the central part of the club’s summer transfer plans.
Burns said: (Hotline Live), “There’s money to spend, and they showed that last season with Arne Engels coming in — it was a record signing. My understanding is that if the right player becomes available, they would be prepared to go above that price again this summer.
“Celtic clearly want to show ambition. They want to make further progress in the Champions League, and as it stands, this is Brendan Rodgers’ final season unless he signs a new contract. So I think they’ll be doing all they can to convince him to stick around a bit longer.
“I think it will be a big summer. They’re going to pocket some decent money from sell-ons, and they’ve got to go again for the Champions League.
“So I do think there will be some big headline signings this summer, I’ve got to say.”
Rodgers has taken the team forward in Europe and has a strong group to build on, with players like Daizen Maeda, Alistair Johnston, and Cameron Carter-Vickers showing their worth. The Champions League remains the big challenge, and Celtic want to go further.
The board’s plan is clear. They want Rodgers to stay, and they want him to have the squad to compete. If the club backs him in the window, it sends out a message.
This summer could shape Celtic’s next few years. With big money likely to be spent, fans will be watching closely to see who comes in.
