Summer transfer storms are brewing - there’s an obvious solution

By Jamie Gribben

This summer already feels like trouble brewing. Celtic’s transfer window looms large, complicated, and painfully unclear — thanks mainly to the usual lack of ambition and vision from Peter Lawwell, Michael Nicholson, and the rest of the boardroom geniuses who continually hold us back.

Brendan Rodgers enters the final year of his contract, and yet again, the club is tip-toeing around his future. Rodgers wants proven, battle-hardened players to lift Celtic immediately — guys like Jeffrey Schlupp, available on a free but hardly fitting the board’s precious “resale value” model, or Kieran Tierney, who’s returning on a pre-contract after his Arsenal stint. Both represent the experienced quality Rodgers values but clash with the suits’ obsession with turning quick profits.

Already, whispers from bloggers close to the board suggest they aren’t comfortable with these moves, precisely because they don’t neatly slot into the spreadsheet-driven philosophy we’ve grown sick of. Apparently, seasoned professionals with genuine pedigree are less attractive than untested youngsters who can be flipped for a tidy profit later. It’s a depressingly familiar pattern.

And then there are the so-called big-money targets we’ve been teased with. Does anyone seriously believe Lawwell and Nicholson, already counting down Rodgers’ final year, will suddenly turn generous? If Rodgers isn’t around beyond next summer, they’ll find excuses to avoid meaningful investment, claiming “prudence” and “long-term strategy” — code words we’ve learned translate to penny-pinching stagnation.

Here’s a radical idea: instead of hedging bets, why not back Rodgers fully? Offer him a new deal, secure his future, and trust his judgement. Show ambition for once. Football clubs should aim for trophies, European progress, and genuine growth, not just balanced budgets and accounting pats on the back.

Rodgers deserves clarity and commitment — not another transfer window of missed opportunities and last-minute compromises. This board must finally prove they’re serious about more than profit margins. If they don’t, Rodgers leaving next summer isn’t just likely; it’s guaranteed. Fans won’t forgive the club’s leadership for letting this happen yet again.

This summer represents a crossroads moment. Celtic can choose genuine ambition, backing Rodgers with established quality and proper financial commitment, or they can revert to their comfortable mediocrity, fixated on cheap gambles and endless talk of resale values.

Lawwell and Nicholson have a simple choice: build something meaningful and lasting, or admit their only real vision for Celtic is as a glorified player trading hub. The supporters deserve better, Rodgers deserves better, and frankly, Celtic deserve far better leadership than we’ve been stuck with.

Your move, gentlemen.