CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers is facing a summer of change.
The champions’ gaffer will not rest on his laurels after what could be the club’s remarkable sixth treble in nine years if they beat Aberdeen at Hampden a fortnight tomorrow and add the Scottish Cup to the Premiership and League Cup.
The transfer window is shaping up to be fairly hectic with players coming and going while Rodgers juggles with finances in an effort to strengthen his squad for what will be another rigorous crusade at home and abroad.
Last season, the Irishman spent £26.5million in bringing in Arne Engels, Adam Idah and Auston Trusty.
PUT IT THERE…Brendan Rodgers shakes Adam Idah’s hand as he makes a late substitution in the 1-1 draw at Ibrox at the weekend.
There is already talk of Rodgers having something in the region of £30million at his disposal – and that figure won’t include what the Parkhead men could bring in with speculation already circling Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kihn.
Chris Sutton is viewing the intriguing situation that will develop throughout the months before the curtain comes down on the window at the end of August.
The former Hoops goal hero said: “What will be interesting is to see is the level of player Celtic try to sign.
“There’s talk about Rodgers having up to £30million to and it’s back to the old argument.
“Does he spent it on six or seven players – or splash it on two or three?
“Last time round he went big on Adam Idah, Arne Engels and Auston Trusty and, rightly or wrongly, the three of them have divided opinion.
“We all know Celtic will try to sign players who can be developed. It’s a model that has worked a treat.
WE’VE WON THE LEAGUE AGAIN…Arne Engels and Auston Trusty, two of Brendan Rodgers’ big-money summer signings, join Callum McGregor and Co in celebration after the 5-0 win at Tannadice sealed Celtic’s fourth successive title.
“But I’d like to see them sign players who are a little bit further down the road in terms of their development. Not guys who will be stars the following season – players who can come in and hit the ground running.”
Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “Celtic obviously need another striker. Kyogo hasn’t been replaced and I’ve said often enough, if Rodgers felt Idah was the answer he would be starting him up front every week.
“Instead, it’s been Maeda and that speaks volumes. The injury to Jota will also force Celtic’s hand.
“With the Portuguese out until next year, they’ll need a top class wide man to come in now.
“You wouldn’t be shocked if there’s a bid for Daizen Maeda and a big-money offer could be hard to turn down.
“There was talk around Nicolas Kuhn in January. It could happen again and I don’t think anyone would be surprised if Reo Hatate wanted a new challenge.
“That would leave some serious work required to get the squad up to scratch for the Champions League play-off qualifier.”
WHAT A DOUBLE-ACT…Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda are two Celts in the transfer spotlight.
The one-time England international striker added: “Brendan Rodgers has been saying he is not paying any attention to what’s happening at Rangers this summer, but it’s only natural to keep an eye on your rivals.
“And there’s a lot of questions about what will happen at Ibrox. Will the 49ers spend big? Who will be manager?
“What Celtic can’t do is assume Rangers will be as poor next season. They can’t be as bad.
“You look at the points they’ve dropped to the rest of the teams and you have to think that won’t happen again. Who knows, it might.
“But Celtic can’t think that way. They need to be re-energised – and that means new faces.
“You look at that team from Sunday and the vast majority were signed by Ange Postecoglou.
“The same guys have been doing it for a number of years and the squad will need freshened up. That’s how you maintain the determination and drive to keep being successful.
“Rodgers knows it, too – which is why this window will be box office this summer.”
