We all accpet that realistically Celtic are a selling club, some players might even see them as a stepping stone to the Premier League, but that’s okay as long as it’s all handled properly.
In modern football there are only a select few teams in the world who can bat away interest for their players and only sell when they want to. The key for teams like Celtic is embracing their position and making sure everything is done on their terms.
The current squad has the potential to be one of the best in a long time. Edouard is incredible up top and the defence is finally starting to look solid. In between the midfield is full of energy and craft and the team is capable of beating anyone if they play well.
READ MORE: Celtic’s Europa League rivals in turmoil as manager reveals fury over financial issue
This is why it’s vital to make sure when big players are sold it’s because the offer is far too good to turn down, and not because they player’s contract is running out. It will take a good deal of bravery from the board, but they need to turn down any initial offers and hold out to take big money if anyone does go.
The situation with Kieran Tierney did feel like a big moment. Obviously he did eventually leave, but they refused to accept derogatory bids and offers which were all incentives based, to the point The BBC reported the eventual deal was worth around £25m.
That might still prove cheap, but it shows teams can’t just throw a couple of million at Celtic for their best players, it will cost them a premium to sign players like Edouard and Ajer.
The Sun were the latest paper to link Leicester City with a move for the Norwegian, they claim they sent a scout to watch him against Lazio and you can assume their manager knows the player quite well.
Let’s not forget they took almost £80m for Harry Maguire, who isn’t remotely close to world class. The £25m Arsenal paid for Tierney should now be the floor on any future negotiations, not the ceiling.
Hopefully the board tell any potential suitors to back off and we see this squad stick together for a while yet.
