NEIL LENNON has warned about the harsh facts of the January transfer market as Brendan Rodgers looks to add strength to his Celtic squad.
The Hoops boss insists he wants to add quality and established newcomers after a summer spree that saw a list of young players such as Yang Hyun-jun, Odin Holm and Marco Tilio arrive at the champions.
There was an imbalance with first-teamers Filipe Jota, Carl Starfelt and Aaron Mooy among those leaving the Parkhead club.
With three weeks to go until the window closes, Rodgers, Mark Lawwell and the recruitment team are working hard in the background to bring in oven-ready purchases.
GREEN FOR GO…Alistair Johnston surges into attack in Celtic’s 3-0 win over St Mirren on January 2 – exactly a year after his debut in the 2-2 draw at Ibrox following his recent transfer.
Ex-Celtic manager Lennon, speaking to PLZ Soccer, said: “I am telling you now, it’s difficult to do business in January.
“When people know you want players, they are going to ask for more money.
“Agents are going to hold out for more wages. And clubs don’t want to let players go in January, so there is going to have to be some quality work done.
“It’s obvious to everyone that Brendan wants more quality players in the building.”
Last year at this stage, the Hoops had brought in four new faces. Canada World Cup right-back Alistair Johnston and Vissel Kobe centre-half Yuki Kobayashi had already signed their contracts the previous month before being registered on the first day of January.
J-League Player of the Year Tomoki Iwata also arrived on an initial six-month loan which was made permanent in the summer and South Korean international striker Oh Hyeon-gyu signed halfway through the window.
