I heard earlier this transfer window that the club didn’t expect an offer for Moussa Dembele. There was interest a year ago, but a year of injury, then a fresh injury at the start of this season, convinced all that the player would be with us until January, at least.
When Real Madrid invoked a buy-out clause for Lyon striker Mariano on Wednesday, the French club were prepared to throw a lot of money around to buy a replacement, and their primary target was Moussa Dembele.
There are millions of euros at play here. Agent fees alone would be in seven figures, while the contract available for the player would dwarf anything Celtic pay. In addition, they were prepare to offer Celtic a lot of money. So what do you do?
Celtic were not planning to sell Moussa Dembele, just as they were not planning to sell Kieran Tierney in July. The club gave very clear messages to Lyon that they would not entertain a bid. Note Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulas’ comments “I know the boss at Celtic well. He is basically like a bulldog who negotiates after yapping.”
The assumption in Lyon was that after Peter Lawwell’s “yapping” there would be some negotiation. Lyon expected Celtic to roll over, but Celtic did not bite.
The choice was to pocket the money without buying a direct replacement (as it was too late), or reject the offer. The sale was not even considered, by the manager or board. As we saw three weeks ago with Boyata, Celtic do not need the money, what they need is talented footballers.
It was right to reject the offer. Not just because we need players more than money, but because if we fold under player pressure, we will only encourage more ‘sore back/not the right frame of mind’ scenarios when contracted players are tapped up during a qualification campaign.
The football business is incredibly unstable. We contract players, who, if they succeed, will soon be able to earn millions of pounds per year more than we will ever pay them. You either sell when the big offers come, or turn your face to stone and sell when you are ready.
I don’t know if playing hardball this month will stop this happening again, but folding would guarantee tantrums every time a player receives an 80€/week offer. We could be sitting this morning with all the money in the world, but a little light up front. That’s not the plan and never has been.
The first piece of business today was the signing of central mid, Youssouf Mulumbu. Youssouf’s career came off the rails when he broke his metatarsal weeks after joining Norwich three years ago, but a cameo half season at Kilmarnock convinced Brendan Rodgers to move. Welcome to Celtic, Youssouf.
Let’s get Filip Benkovic signed up, and spank Newco back into their dystopian existence on Sunday. Oh, and Malmo and Sarpsborg would do nicely in the Europa.
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Tick tock 30 ins left bhoys.
This just in – I understand that Lionel Messi will not be rushing to complete a medical at Celtic park before transfer deadline expires.
Saint Stivs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cftKew752tU
Made me go and watch the tackle, never a red card
Magnificent piece of business by the Celtic Board and management .
500K converted to 20 million K in two years.
Not to mention some magnificent and memorable strikes against the unmentionables.
What true Celt could fail to celebrate this outstanding coup for our Club ?
Thank you and best wishes for your future , Moussa.
And thank YOU , Celtic .
Can`t wait for Sunday night . 9pm sharp .
Macjay
Welcome back
What did Steve Clarke say?
Cork Celt 99.9 % of footballers are mercenaries. Show then the weekly wage and they’ll be off. If I was offered 10k a year more tomorrow I’d be off withit thought for my 12 week notice period! Anyway goodnight.
MWD
Right lads trump has left the building ???
MacJay
Is it really you? Welcome back.
Go
Wisnae quite Metro…..
As the Window….
Orgasms of the Digital Variety are Oh si so (Oh GEE).
The Hun have a chance Sunday.
DD
Take care …pop into Sharkeys. Ask for me by my internet name …Matt
Hail Hail
Matt
macjay back home at last.
MacJay
Welcome home sir.
Sao Paolo Whiteinch CSC
RUNNING
Lads.
Never been away.
It`s an affair of the heart .
macjay1 for Neil Lennon on 31st August 2018 11:33 pm
Magnificent piece of business by the Celtic Board and management .
500K converted to 20 million K in two years
Not to mention some magnificent and memorable strikes against the unmentionables
What true Celt could fail to celebrate this outstanding coup for our Club
Thank you and best wishes for your future , Moussa.
And thank YOU , Celtic .
Can`t wait for Sunday night . 9pm sharp .
===
Aye business acumen, not football. That’s what all TRUE Celts celebrate?????
What a disaster of a day. I have seriously misjudged my white wine tonight. Down to my last glass and we still have about half an hour before the big announcement.
Plus, I bought a light bulb today. Totally wrong one. I needed the srewy one instead of the one with two wee pins.
A total disaster. But you never know. Remember Stephan Scepovic (sp) at the last minute.
I may be just a mercenary, but I can’t help feel that MD has missed a golden opportunity make himself a better deal.
With a wee bit of maturity on his part, he could have negotiated a better contract deal with more cash, a promise of a share in his contract fee and a guarantee release clause from 2019 onwards at the same level Lyon bid.
He would be a hero with the fans, better off and probably in a position to secure a large lump sum in the New Year. A couple of goals against a leaky defence on Sunday would not have harmed his reputation. Or value.
He has us over a barrel and failed to take advantage missing an open goal.
macjay1 – Everyone lambasted Trump – Trump has done All he could to protect the Unborn.
Any chance of getting Kit and Kojo Bach?
Welcome Home.
Petec
Trump doesn’t give a feck about the unborn.
But that’s an argument for another day.
I think we have proven ourselves as a buying club sine Dalglish left for £440,000. I’m relaxed, I believe one or 2 will come in before the window slams shut. Italy, England ,Spain and Germany have closed. All eyes in Europe watching the Scottish window at the moment.
Matt
I will buy you a pint wi pleasure. Come into Horse and Barge Dalmuir. Best Provo pub in Clydebank. Rebel bands every Sunday afternoon.
YNWA
Frankie Miller The Loudest Roar
https://youtu.be/Ajfe4ODwnpI
Ffs
A trump supporting post now.
Didn’t think this could get worse.
Last 15 mins to play and Celtic still finding it hard to break down that stubborn transfer defence. Lots of possession (cash) but a seeming lack of focus and direct forward passing (planning) could cost the bhoys dearly tonight.
What is the Stars on 31st August 2018 11:43 pm
Petec
Trump doesn’t give a feck about the unborn.
But that’s an argument for another day.
……
OK – I bow to your Superior Knowledge.
Benkovic signs on season Lon loan.
Welcome Filip
Official announcement on the club website.
Moonbeamswd on 31st August 2018 11:47 pm
Mackey is that really you?
Oh Macjay I can cum again now.
FFS. A racist right wing cretin comes back and the blog errupts in group masterbating.
Sad sorry bunch of idiots.
MWD
===
My thoughts entirely. How long before we get an Anti irish they helped the Nazis rant?
GG
Frankie Miller is the best thing to ever come out of Brigton.
Name a better Scottish voice than Frankie’s.
YNWA
Stringer bell-I won’t be supporting trump,he’s had me sat in Charlotte airport for 4hrs now,the c*nt???
WITS
One of Donald Trump’s first acts was to sign an executive order to defund International Planned Parenthood.
https://www.lifenews.com/2017/01/23/president-donald-trump-signs-executive-order-to-defund-international-planned-parenthood/
In contrast one of Obama’s first acts was to restore funding for overseas abortions
https://www.catholicleague.org/obama-funds-abortion/
Sydney Devine.
DD
Billy McKenzie
Dougie McCleann
Dick Gaughan
Aneka.
Sorry , Paul.
It was never my intention to send your moderators into overdrive .
Has anybody told BMCUWP ???
DD
I’m privileged to know a great Celtic fan who has many claims to fame.
The leading one is that he was the recipient of Frankie’s Chistening piece. :-)
Can’t remember who wished me all the best in my continuing recovery in their response to my suggestion Christie may get a chance as back up to Leigh and Eddie, apologies. You asked if I was currently on morphine, I am still on it as it happens. Genuinely thanks for your best wishes.
CamBhoy: funny you mention Solanke, that was the Player we tried to get on loan with a view to buy, not happening, don’t know why.
It is official we are now weaker than we were last season. We needed a RB and as of this evening a Striker, poor show.
As always I only pass on what I hear, I know you all appreciate that.
Anyone sitting up until the clock strikes midnight, do not waste your time.
Remember, we are all Celtic Supporters, not Board Supporters.
Until we meet again…
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
I do believe I’ve been deleted. Wow