The manager’s magic number? A lean, mean fighting force of 25 players. Yet, as we edge closer to the deadline, it seems there’s more of a shuffle than a sprint towards this goal, with only Kwon making his exit so far.
But what about the others? Bernabei, Kobayashi, McCarthy, Siegrist, Johnston, Lagerbielke, and Tilio—each of these players represents more than just names on a piece of paper; they’re the embodiment of Celtic’s unresolved puzzle. Occupying valuable slots in both the squad and the wage bill, their lack of game time has become the elephant in the room, a costly reminder of potential untapped.
The whispers around Lagerbielke were particularly intriguing, with Serie A clubs supposedly circling. Yet, these murmurs have faded into silence, leaving fans to wonder what could have been. Similarly, Siegrist’s long-drawn saga with Sturm Graz tantalised before it unceremoniously unraveled.
Kobayashi’s anticipated return to Japan remains a question mark, adding to the growing list of loose ends that Celtic seems to be grappling with. With the clock ticking down, the pressure mounts—not just for the players in limbo, but for a club in dire need of quality reinforcements to bolster its ranks.
As it stands, the presence of these players—dubbed ‘deadwood’ by some—may well be a contributing factor to Celtic’s subdued activity in the transfer market. With less than a week to go, the urgency to clear the decks and make room for new blood is palpable.
Celtic’s aspirations for the season hinge not just on the stars they bring in, but on how effectively they can streamline their squad.
The challenge now is not just about finding the right pieces for the puzzle, but also about knowing which pieces no longer fit. As the deadline looms, Celtic’s transfer strategy—and Rodgers’ ability to sculpt his ideal squad—will be put to the test.
Can they make the necessary moves in time, or will the weight of unwieldy contracts and unfulfilled potential drag them down?
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