OLD Bhoy Kris Commons reckons Celtic fans shouldn’t anticipate a big-name transfer before the end of this month.
In any case, the former fans’ favourite insisted the champions don’t need a marquee signing.
Marvin Compper, a £1million buy from RB Leipzig, and winger Lewis Morgan, a £300,000 capture from St Mirren, have been the only new arrivals.
Commons said: “There are not many clubs in Europe these days whose highest transfer fee was 17 years ago. Every single club seems to break their transfer record every year, but you look at Chris Sutton at Celtic and that was 17 years ago.
“It shows the resources all these clubs have, but Celtic are still in the dark ages where TV money is not coming into the club.
“But do they need a marquee signing? I don’t think they do. You buy what’s going to make your squad better.
“Over the years, Celtic have been renowned for bringing in a marquee signing, but if it’s not going to make the squad better there’s no point.
“All these players who came in before – Ljungberg, Keane – they’re on astronomical wages compared to the rest of the squad, so is it worth doing that?
“Celtic are in a much more stable condition now, they look like they’re going to win the Treble again, they look like they’re more than capable of giving anyone in Europe a run for their money on their day. They just need to keep ticking over.
“Now obviously if they lose Moussa Dembele or they lose Scott Sinclair for a while that could be damaging, but I think Brendan Rodgers will already have plan B in place.”
Commons added: “There has been some talk and if Simunovic goes then a centre-half will be a must.
“That was one of my main concerns as a Celtic supporter, the weakest part of the defence has been the centre-back position with the mistakes and people not playing to their ability at that level.
“I know Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata are brilliant centre-halves, but if they are not quite at their A-game then you’re going to get found out.
“Ultimately the best players in Europe are usually the centre-forwards and they certainly found that out against PSG and Bayern Munich.
“Against Zenit, if the two of them are fit and they are both there, they are more than capable of doing a job.
“But if they don’t, there will be more pressure and scrutiny put on Brendan Rodgers and the board for not investing in another centre-half.
“We don’t need a centre-half for the league, that will be pretty much wrapped up. But they have a two-legged tie against a very good Russian team and have only signed a centre-half who is not able to play.
“If there is a question mark over whether Simunovic might go, then are they prepared to put in a 19-year-old (Kris Ajer) who played in Kazakhstan and conceded four, that could have been 10?
“Brendan will be the first to say what he needs and what he’s got if he loses someone.
“But it’s difficult in this day and age because you could spend £20million on a centre-half and they end up bang average.”
NEW CQN PODCAST OUT NOW FEATURING TOMMY SHERIDAN
A Celtic State of Mind presents its 30th instalment of insightful discussion around the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning treble-winning Scottish champions.
Kevin Graham is joined by Scotty Alcroft to interview Scottish pro-independence politician, Tommy Sheridan, at The Penalty Spot in Glasgow.
The interview took place as part of A Celtic State of Mind’s first live event – Five-a-sides at The Penalty Spot – and, as such, there is some background noise (including mobile interference – apologies) from the audience.
The other voice you may hear throughout this episode is that of former Celtic striker, Frank McGarvey, who is a friend of Tommy’s, and who was also interviewed separately that day for a future show.
You are sure to enjoy Tommy’s eclectic input, as he discusses everything from Catalan independence to Coolio, with a constant undercurrent of that thing called Celtic.
Order Jim Craig’s new Lisbon Lion Diary – Right Back to 67 from CQNBookstore.co.uk and you will receive a signed copy from the man himself plus a FREE copy of That Season in Paradise – Ten Months of Celtic Heaven signed by fellow Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld! Simply order Jim Craig – Right Back to 67 and the second book will be sent automatically. Stocks are running very low so hurry!
