Supporters have expressed growing dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer dealings, both this summer and in past windows, a frustration that has played a major role in fuelling the continuous protests throughout September.
The issue was inevitably brought up during the meeting, but the chief executive offered little beyond a shrug of his shoulders when questioned about the manager’s remarks, insisting only that the Celtic boss has the final approval on all signings.
The club also outlined its “multi-disciplinary approach” to transfers, under which any deal exceeding a specific financial limit requires approval from multiple members of the board.
The jointly approved minutes stated as per Celtic FC, read: “The Club were asked to confirm who is responsible for conducting football transfers – including if the Chief Executive and CFO were directly involved in the same. Supporter Groups also sought confirmation as to who ‘values’ players and agrees commercial terms. CMcK (Chris McKay) explained that a multi-disciplinary approach is taken. This approach is led by the football department who identify players, with the executive team concluding transactions. This was noted by MN (Michael Nicholson) as not being unusual within football clubs. JG asked if the football manager sanctioned all signings, MN confirmed that he did. MGe asked why the Manager referred to some signings as ‘club signings’ – MN shrugged his shoulders.”
Michael Nicholson, Chief Executive of Celtic FC and Chris McKay, CFO of Celtic FC looks on from the stands prior to the Premiership match between Celtic FC and St Mirren FC at Celtic Park on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“Discussion turned to the valuation of players. MN and CMcK explained how the process operates, and which factors are considered – including the needs of the selling (or buying) Club, the player’s personal desires, time left on the players’ contract etc. When asked about applicable ‘ceiling’ on player costs, MN confirmed that valuations forms part of the overall discussion regarding a player and the evaluation of said player against all relevant factors and relative prices within the wider market.”
“Supporter Groups questioned the involvement of NEDs within the transfer process. CMcK and MN confirmed that player trading above certain financial values require approval from the Celtic plc Board (with such approval thresholds are standard practice amongst businesses). Supporter Groups questioned how this approval was sought and CMcK confirmed board members would be emailed for final approval but would be aware of the background in advance.”
Brendan Rodgers during the Premier League match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on August 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Rodgers was clearly agitated about the lack of the quality additions he had asked for in order to make Celtic ready for and competitive in the Champions League this season, building on the decent campaign last season that ended for a change with heads held high after taking Bayern Munich all the way in their own stadium.
The Celtic manager was prepared to develop these players at Lennoxtown with hopefully some making it through to the first team in due course. But there was a more pressing concern of a Champions League qualifier and hopefully a campaign in European football’s premier competition to follow and Celtic had to bring in the quality additions to make it through and make an impact.
Daizen Maeda of Celtic reacts to missing an opportunity Kairat Almaty v Celtic, UEFA Champions League, Play-Off Round, Second Leg, Football, Almaty Central Stadium, Almaty, Kazakhstan – 26 August 2025. Photo Nikita Bassov/Shutterstock
Instead the Celtic manager was left with a weakened squad and ultimately the club paid the £40m price.
No wonder Brendan Rodgers was frustrated, Michael. He had every right to be concerned about the lack of progress on signing key targets and remember both you and the manager knew that Daizen Maeda was leaving at the end of August. Having sold Kyogo and Nicolas Kuhn asking for some replacements is not too unreasonable surely?
Conor Spence
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Is it unreasonable to suggest that Rodgers judgement within the transfer window, remains at very questionable levels?
Still waiting for a number of signing bought into the club, upon his return, to be classed as quality additions, instead of squad fillers.
Kuhn had a 6 month spell, in showing enough for his getaway.
A total lack of players developing into the style of play on offer, is where we are, yet constant excuses made as to why?
3 potential additions made into our attacking areas, even if all 3 could be called up to the African cup of nations in December, if they start delivering the form, that’s expected within our club?
Wonder who’s bright idea that was for ourselves?
Do we really want these 3 players to be that impressive for ourselves, if we stand to lose them for a potential international call up?
Hardly in a position to lose players for ourselves during such a period either?
So remains very questionable as to what actually goes on within our squad building process is on the go during the summer?
Bit like the blind leading the blind without knowing which direction they are meant to be heading in?
Who’s responsibility is that?