When rumours of Carl Starfelt going to Russia first surfaced last week few of us believed them. Russia? Not right now. But we all had the debate, would you sell him? He has been part of an incredibly successful Celtic central defensive partnership: won five from six trophies, never lost a domestic game in 90 minutes, plays on the left, the list goes on.
But you know the mantra, manage your assets or fail to manage your assets. We should always be ready to trade a 28-year-old player who is second of two central defenders. You and I have seen too often the consequences of failing to manage our assets.
We are now first and foremost a trading club. Wish Carl all the very best at Celta Vigo and trade up.
Given this article of faith in how business should be done, the only remaining question is price. Despite that glorious record in the last two years, Carl’s value ceiling has been set by performances when hundreds of scouts watched games he played in throughout his career.
Like Josip Juranovic in this sense, keeping the likes of Naymar in your pocket at the World Cup will not move the dial much. We paid £1.5m two years ago for the player because Rubin Kazan had no other takers. £5m today is very much his ceiling.
We hear lots about how difficult it is to settle into a new club, few had as difficult a challenge as Carl joining Celtic. He signed during a 2021 lockdown but was not permitted to travel to Scotland until 31 July that year – the day Celtic were due to play their opening league game against Hearts at Tynecastle and Ange Postecoglou wanted him in the team.
To stay the right side of the law (we are Celtic, after all), on 30 July Carl and a driver sat at a service station south of the border until midnight. The driver took a photo of Carl, with metadata confirming location and time, before travelling to Celtic’s hotel.
He arrived in the early hours, had some sleep before rising to meet his new teammates at breakfast. On 31 July he travelled from Southwaite, met dozens of new faces, a new manager, new tactics, all in a new country. He played 90 minutes and offered no excuses for his rustiness, just got on with the job. Quite heroic.
Tonight it’s the turn of Hibs and Hearts to try to contribute some Uefa coefficient points to the Scottish clubs’ cause in the Uefa Conference League.
Hearts are in Trondheim to face Rosenborg. The Norwegians are 18 games into their league season so will be miles sharper than Hearts, but this is not the Rosenborg we remember. They are eight in the table; memories of 13 titles in a row and regular Champions League football are a fading memory.
Hearts are capable of progressing to the playoff round, where they would face either Hajduk Split or PAOK. They can be hopeful.
Hibs are home to Luzern tonight, who finished fourth in Switzerland last term. Swiss football is now a toy thing for Young Boys, so this tie is certainly winnable, but Hibs will surely Hibs it, denying Aston Villa a trip to the Festival later this month.
The additional Champions League monies we talked about yesterday looked in jeopardy 20 minutes into a scintillating performance by Newco last night. Around that time, the scintillating part ended as a dour Servette settled in for the night.
Having sat through the whole game, I feel a bit foolish for putting our league title chances as low as 67% on Friday. Newco have a lead to take to Switzerland on Tuesday, there remains every chance they will progress against a team that did not create a single chance in the first leg and will need to score at least once to stay in the competition. But goodness, the early signs from across the city are heartening.
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Brighton have a lot of money burning a hole
I expect Hatate might go there……if Turnbull is his replacement we are going backwards at a rapid tate of knots ….Turnbull being Mooys replacement I could just about live with …..I really don’t know why if you sell a player for 20 million you don’t buy a player for 10 rather than 5 for 2 each …doesn’t make sense to me ……last week after the game on the way home there were 5 of us having a drink or 2….one of the guys said …mind we’ve still got 3 weeks…..and I said…next week we’ll be saying…we’ve still got 2 weeks …etc etc ….not confident at all..
Tom
We have the unfurling of the league flag at home on the first game of the season which they don’t have in England
He will be getting more than his Starfelt when he meets up with Jacynta.
Time for a stroll into old Glasgow Town on this fine Friday morn.
Viniethedog
So with £10m who would YOU sign right now ?
Watched the Hibees game last night and liked the look of one time Swiss target Jashari. Had exactly what we need in terms of energy, technique & aggression.
Don’t know if he’s still on the watch list but that’s the template.
HH
I’d love a scenario where Reo knuckles down and improves on his game this season, taking him to a new level.
Then add a Jashari or a Reider-type beside him and Callum.
HH
The utter drivel folk talk about we are undeniably weaker etc. Bean counting shite about PL being in the building now bullshit.
Since last year
We have signed Japanese POTY
We have signed Norway POTY
Both midfielders
Where we have lost a one season wonder who played less than half the games and at best was a journeyman for most of his days.
We have sold a winger who had 9 first team starts pre joining Celtic 2 years ago.
We have signed 2 wing players who have more positive experience than he had and we have scope to provide more opportunity for a very talented under utilised young wide player already on our books.
We have sold a centre back regarded by many as a bombscare and routinely abused on websites by malcontents, who sadly need scapegoats for their own deficiencies in life, despite his stats showing a much more positive picture.
We have signed a top rated polish centre back in advance to replace and we are in talks with 2 other very highly rated players to further strengthen that area.
Who knows what else is going on at a time in the transfer market (2 weeks to go) when the players and agents think they hold all the cards.
We have done great business this past few windows and we will do a bit more this next few weeks.
PL position as chair is non exec. I am not sure what folk don’t actually understand about that. He has no different influence now on these transfers than he had in the past 2 years which folknseemed delighted with.
I do realise some people have a need for a bogeyman or a person to blame for all the ills in their lives though.
Thank god we won last week and we are not struggling to qualify in Europe and get off the bottom of the league.
As some have said Sweden definitely look the best at the women’s World Cup.
And they are decent at football as well.
Big Wavy
Spot on ref Reo.
I thought he really seemed up for it when he did get on last week.
Hopefully not a lost cause.
BURNLEY78
Well said. Great points.
There are some on here who will be blaming PL for perceived interference long after he’s dead and buried. He’ll still be living rent free in their heads.
PS. The transfer window has 3 weeks to run, not 2. It closes at midnight on Friday 1st September. That’s 21 days from today.
BURNLEY78 on 11TH AUGUST 2023 10:03 AM
Hear hear, the panty wetting from an increasing number of the support based on losing 1 quality player is frightening.
BURNLEY78 on 11TH AUGUST 2023 10:03 AM
One of my achilles is my bloody impatience and you are right to suggest that we best judge this at the end of the window. Work is going on behind the scenes and I’m hopeful. We have a lot to do both incomings and outgoings.
You are right about the poitential of some of the new kids on the block, and I like their profiles.
But, there is an argument to suggest we are currently weaker as the rebuild goes on around us:
Abada is a drop down from Jota. Maeda with his back to goal as a striker is poor.
Turnbull is a drop down from Mooy & Hatate.
Nawrocki is not proven to be better than Starfelt. 2 different qualities.
Oh’s output is lower than GG.
Forrest being back in the fold is proof we are dropping down the player list.
Hart’s age is demonstrably taking its toll on him.
Things will change (and the newbies will delight in their own way) but the feeling that we are currently weaker is not overly controversial.
3 weeks leaves us with a lot to do as the ECL hits us and the piviotal game at Ibrox looms closer.
HH
Hardlines Japan…..shudv won that left it too late
Liverpool signed a 21 year old for £111m – now that’s a project
ifyou’regoodenoughyou’reoldenoughCSC
So Tottenham and Bayern finally agree a fee plus add-ons and Harry Kane is given permission to fly to Munich to complete the deal.
Sitting in his car at the airport, Spurs phone and tell him to sit tight. Apparently they want to change some of the agreed terms. What a way to treat a long and distinguished servant and earn the scorn and contempt of the football World.
Disgraceful.
Right mon the
Colombia!
anyonebutengerlundcsc
Patientia est virtus
AG
Japan Burds v Swedish Burds.
Japanese Burds totally dominated by Swedish Crumpet for around 80 minutes. Japans Burds couldnt string Two passes together in that first 80 minutes.
FULL Credit must go to the Swedish Crumpet who played really well.
My Japan Burds Bets went ” Doon the Stank”.
NO Matter.
Well played the Swedish Crumpet.
LOL
HH
HRVATSKI JIM on 11TH AUGUST 2023 8:33 AM
I saw a mock-up banner last night.
YOU TRADED IMMORTALITY FOR JACYNTA
FAIR DO’S
……………..
Good wan mate.
LOL
HH
Vinnie,
No offence mate,but I would hate to sit in a boozers with you talking about Celtic.Always so negative,and doom and gloom.Lighten up,leave it to the people that know what’s going on behind the scene,with players,and transfers.BR will be be doing his damnedest to get things flowing.Its not the players its the agents that cause the problems.
Look at the length of time wasted on Harry Kane.
Hail Hail.
Big Jimmy,
Those Swedish ” Birds”Rrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!! Stunning.
Big Wavy,
Meet up with Vinnie for a few bevvies.Like a couple at an Undertakers convention. :-))))
Where’s this Harry Kane story coming from
FOURSTONECOPPI on 11TH AUGUST 2023 10:34 AM
Right mon the
Colombia!
anyonebutengerlundcsc
…………………
TOO RIGHT Mate.
The English PUNDIT BURDS, are just as bad as their male counterparts.
That wee Midden ” ALEX SCOTT” appears to be UNABLE to talk without having a PEN in her hand….WHY ?
She even has a Pen in hand when STANDING in front of a Computer Replay/Tactics Screen, WITHOUT any PAPER or DESK in front of her…whats that all about ?
My guess is that she wants to somehow look like THE HOST….when she is only part of a pundit team ?
She and others on the English Pundit Panel, just LAUGH at anything…its pathetic.
The BBC also have Retired English Player ” ELLEN WHITE” on their Pundit Panel.
NOT ONLY does she look like a PIG with Lipstick, but SHE is probably the BIGGEST CHEAT and THUG that I have ever seen playing Wummins Fitba.
In the England team, SHE CONSTANTLY DIVED and CHEATED in most games, and could dish oot some thuggery when it suited her, and then plead ” Innocence” etc.
I hope that one of the remaining Nations in this BURDS World Cup….KNOCK OOT the English asap.
MON the COLUMBIA the Morra !
Caicaido £111 million to Liverpool…..Brighton paid £4 million for him 2 years ago
Liewell is a Liar and should not be anywhere near our club end of.
The question stands is he interfering in BR’s transfers and if so is this 1 of reasons Ange left?
Or is BR playing the waiting game for players? If so why? Show me a manager who says he doesnt need better players and I will show you a Liar.
But bottom line is Liewell should not be at our club a liar and a charlatan of a man.
D :)
ELLEN WHITE of Engurlund……was the Female version of MORELOS….Only Ellen White was MORE MASCULINE.
How I hate them both.
HH.
As expected the wrath comes down….
Only commenting on what is factually in front of our eyes right now – not what may or may not happen in the next 2/3 weeks. Even if we do pull some rabbits why wait, why procrastinate – if you asked 50 managers would you prefer recruits in early pre-season and all that or 3/4 weeks into the season how many would go for the later?
Its a little sad to belittle ex Celtic players who proved their worth as a defence of ones who have come in and proved nothing as yet. Based on what we know and have seen Jota and Mooy start eveyday before Yang, Tilio, Holm and Kwon so we are weaker……..in time these guys may be good or they may not – they are too young and inexperienced to be sure one way or another. To be clear we had nailed on starters replaced by young, inexperienced potential – in my book that is currently weaker.
Now we sold a first choice CB because ” some people need scapegoats for their own deficiencies in life” – hilarious – Celtic transfer policy based on fan deficiencies………..couldn’t make that stuff up. I personally thought Starfelt was very under rated – sure he had a mistake in hime but show me a CB that doesn’t.
Polish lad seems OK but early days and lets see what else happens.
The past few windows we have acted swiftly and in most cases deals done before it even opened – now we are back in the “lets hope something happens in the last few weeks” position and that is not comfortable. By all means a last minute cherry on the cake or something special but the top targets and 1st team starters should be in the bag long before now.
I don’t need a bogeyman and i understand corporate structures but is it just coincidental that the old lastminute.com policy seems to be back in the room……….
We have rarely if ever been financially stronger – there is no excuse for currently looks like lack of will and ambition.
At the end of last season we were all in broad agreement that we had a good squad and a 2/3 starters could really move us on………the position now is very different and not in a positive way.
I would be delighted to misjudge this and hope i am wrong and will be the first to say so but the everything is great and the executive can never be questioned is for the back of the bus
BIG JIMMY@11am
Absolutely hilarious 🤣😂👏👏👏👏and true 👍
Jesus wept…
‘burds, crumpet, midden, pig with lipstick’…
You are just embarrassing yourself now, give it a rest….
CQN has now plumbed new depths.
I’m obviously not macho enough for this real men’s club.
Outta here before it starts catching.
Moises Caicedo must be some player.
Wonder if he can walk on water.
Fag packet arithmetic re Liverpool’s midfield rebuild.
Happy to be challenged.
5 players out / 3 in. Down 2 warm bodies.
Transfer fees received – £42m
Transfer Fees paid – £206m
Net outlay – £164m
Wages saved p.a. – £40m
Wages paid for new – £30m
Net wage saving over 4 years – £40m.
Total net cost of rebuild – £124m.
Expensive business this rebuilding your midfield lark.
Just as well they’ve got Champions League revenue to fall back.
Er … wait a minute 🤔🤦
GENE
https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/transfer-news/tottenham-twist-kane-transfer-bayern-27500115
GENE
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/harry-kane-tottenham-bayern-spurs-30678473
We have lost …Jota,Starfelt. and Mooy ..all 3 played in arguably our best team last year …how anybody can just dismiss this and say ..we’ll be fine ….is glass half full to the extreme!
Burnley..I work full time …if I had ghe time to look for a player that would improve the team for 10 million I would…..but the kid Jashari who played against hibs last night looks a player for 7 million euros……some still think Iwata is the answer
I think he’s lenny on valium !!!
HAIRLIKESPAGHETTI on 11TH AUGUST 2023 11:10 AM
Jesus wept…
‘burds, crumpet, midden, pig with lipstick’…
You are just embarrassing yourself now, give it a rest….
…………….
WHY….Because a CHUMP like you says so ?
YOU have tried ( and FAILED) in the past to show that I am a LIAR when it comes to WINNING Bets a few months ago when I was on a LUCKY STREAK for a month or so.
YOU were demanding that I SHOULD TELL YOU and others about WINNING BETS ( Horses and Fitba) BEFORE the Events took place, and yet YOU Post about someone EMBARRASSING themself ?
Have a look in the mirror CHUMP !
YOU are also a HYPOCRITE, as soon after YOU were demanding that I Post Winning Bets on here BEFORE the Events had happened ( In other words YOU were calling me a Liar)….but when some OTHERS on here Posted about having WINNING Bets….YOU had NOTHING to SAY ?
Did you enjoy yer Maws Wedding ?
HAIRLIKESPAGHETTI on 11TH AUGUST 2023 11:10 AM
Jesus wept…
‘burds, crumpet, midden, pig with lipstick’…
You are just embarrassing yourself now, give it a rest….
……………..
IN MY OPINION….Ex Engurland CHEAT and THUG ” ELLEN WHITE ” looks like a PIG with Lipstick, when she TRIES to look attractive in the BBC TV Punditry….
YOU have got a problem with that ?
IF so WHY havent YOU had a GO at others on here who constantly refer to the HUNS as being UGLY ?
Have YOU NEVER sang/chanted about the Huns being UGLY at a Celtic game ?
DID YOU, switch OFF in horror when TV Comedian Jonathan Watson was doing his ” MACAVENNIE”, with the words……” Any BURDS IN” ?
LOL.