One pundit said that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers wouldn’t rule out the possibility of signing one of his former players from his previous stint at Parkhead.
News of a Celtic transfer…
The Scottish Premiership’s Hoops labored to a disappointing 0-0 draw away to Hibernian at Easter Road last weekend, allowing their bitter rivals Rangers to close the eight-point deficit at the top of the table to five points following their Sunday victory over Heart of Midlothian.
In the summer, Rodgers signed nine players, but only Paulo Bernardo and Luis Palma played against Hibernian in Edinburgh. In the last moments of the match, Mikey Johnston, a Celtic outcast, was chosen over Yang Hyun-jun, a new South Korean winger, who had cost Celtic around £2 million back in late July, off the substitutes bench.
After being used early in the season, Odin Thiago Holm and Gustaf Lagerbielke now appear to be on the fringes of Rodgers’ plans, while Marco Tilio and Kwon Hyeok-kyu have yet to appear in a competitive match for Celtic. Since coming on loan from Liverpool, Nathaniel Phillips has been a rotating option while Maik Nawrocki continues to heal from an injury.
Despite this, Celtic have made a great start to their Scottish Premiership campaign, going undefeated in their first ten league games. There is a growing consensus among some supporters, nevertheless, that even with a strong number of players in the first team, there is a discernible decline in quality between the starting players and those who come off the bench.
Rodgers stated in the summer that he wanted to add more quality to his team and offered his thoughts on Celtic’s transfer activities. According to Sky Sports, the Northern Irishman responded as follows when asked if he was happy with the business they had done: “I think every manager will tell you they maybe wished they could have done one or two more signings.”
Ryan Christie to Celtic decision
SportSynergy revealed earlier this month that Ryan Christie’s contract situation at Bournemouth, which might allow him to depart the Vitality Stadium on a free transfer in 2024 when his agreement expires, has Celtic interested in bringing him back to Parkhead.
Christie and Celtic manager Rodgers previously collaborated at Parkhead during Christie’s first tenure, during which the Scotland international recorded 41 goals and 44 assists in 151 games. Rodgers is reportedly a big fan of Christie.
Former Scotland international Alan Hutton has now implied that Rodgers would not rule out a reunion with Christie at Celtic. Christie was once called “incredible” by former manager Gary O’Neil. The analyst said in an interview with Football Insider:
“I don’t believe Brendan Rodgers would turn down a player who he believes could improve his starting lineup. There’s always a chance if there’s anything that needs to be done. Is it always a good thing to return? I’m not quite sure.
“I believe there will be further possibilities available if you are performing well in the Premier League and participating in games. There is always a draw at Celtic since they are a big team that competes in European competitions and goes for trophies.”
