Recruiting players of CCV and Jota quality

Last summer Celtic concluded the permanent transfers of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota, both previously on loan at the club, early in the summer, as did free agent Aaron Mooy.  We did not need to contend with selling clubs for any of these deals, as options had already been signed with Tottenham and Benfica.

The only other new contracted player who made any impression on the season was Sead Haksabanovic, he arrived in the final week of the window.

Two years ago, during Ange Postecoglou’s first window, Liel Abada arrived early, Kyogo and Carl Starfelt (only just) joined for the start of the league campaign, and Joe Hart arrived a few days later.  Those we paid transfer fees for that summer came from peripheral markets, not dissimilar to the business we have done this year.

The business carried out in the last two summers was exceptional and exactly what the club needed.  Much of the important work, specifically brining Carter-Vickers and Jota to the club, had to wait until deadline day.

You, me, Brendan, the board and the ballboys know there are gaps in the squad.  Filling them with players of Carter-Vickers and Jota quality is difficult, but that is what Celtic are trying to do right now.  If work like this was easy, others would do it and we would not win so many trophies.