I think it is fair to say that Mr Gerrard is about to see a new side to Brendan Rodgers.
Because in his Liverpool days he never had to face the Irishman as an adversary.
Of course, Mr Gerrard did face Brendan as an opposing foe. Rodgers was Swansea boss and they played Liverpool as part of the EPL in his last season in Wales.
However, this is a different Rodgers now.
Those who work with Brendan have noticed an edge to him since his short summer break.
Firstly he would brook no opposition on the signing of Odsonne Édouard.
Even after PSG started to move the goal posts on the transfer fee.
The deal was done, money talks.
I expect the gross spend on players this summer by Celtic to be in the region of £20m.
The departure of Stuart Armstrong has been widely reported.
However, I’m hearing that both Nice and Lyon are very interested in Eboue Kouassi.
I think that is an indication that there is a serious player in there.
Patrick Vieira certainly thinks so.
If Celtic sell young Ivorian then it could become a major regret in years to come.
A loan deal might be the smart move for the SPFL Champions.
I was pleased to hear that Anthony Ralston is back with a new improved attitude.
Sometimes a loan deal can have an educational impact on a young player.
The bad news for SPFL defenders is that Moussa Dembélé rather likes it at Celtic and might well extend his contract at the Hoops.
That would give Rodgers two fine young players to rotate in the Number 9 position.
I know that some Celtic fans have questioned the wisdom of spending so much on “French Eddy”.
However, it is worth keeping in mind that the sell on fee for Virgil Van Dijk will cover that cost.
For the avoidance of doubt, the biggest club in Scotland will spend more on new light bulbs this summer than Sevco will on players.
I note that those emotionally distracted folk in the bookmaking business are quoting Celtic at 1/10 to retain their SPFL title.
Old Firm?
Really?
Discover more from Phil Mac Giolla Bháin
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Light bulbs crack was a stoatir.
Does that include the bulb inside sg’s noggin,for its defo faulty.Nigh time his hypnotherapy was redone and rescheduled to daily rather than weekly.
Good news re Ralston,Kouassi should hopefully stay,permanent,loans can sometimes totally change a players outlook,eg.Patrick Roberts like…
Ralston extension excellent,he has already proven himself more than worthy,(against that wee scroat ‘neybdy’)he will go from strength to strength DEFO.I can see him at CFC? for a very long time.Hopefully.
Thanks Phil.????????????????????☮️
You’re at it again, Phil. Please check your facts. All contractual negotiations are handled by Mr Lawwell albeit Mr Rodger will approve/identify the player. They both work very well together and recognise each other’s strengths which is all to Celtic’s benefit. Please keep tp the facts therefore on who negotiated and held out for Celtic with PSG and has grown Celtic commercially with a history of negotiatint extremely significant commercial deals (including New Balance) – p.s. he has a heated driveway you keep telling me 🙂
BF DJ in the ET today,
“People say that Rangers aren’t spending any money. Well, they are certainly spending millions on Ibrox and Auchenhowie”.
He goes on to claim that the pitch has been relaid??
I don’t recall that being mentioned anywhere.
He writes a pro Rangers * column in the ET and had been made a club ambassador and is also a pundit on a radio football phone in show.
What was Dave King saying recently about a conflict of interest?
The only spending on infrastructure they’ve done is a new sign for ‘Hummin’ Park’…
They probably didn’t pay for it either.
I agree 100% about Kouassi. It is my firm belief that given a run in the team the boy will be an absolute star.
Totally agree…
Keep him…and give him some games Brendan…please.!!
It would be madness to let Kouassi go. On the few occasions he has played last season he showed that he is capable of becoming our midfield lynchpin, in fact a tailor made replacement for Broonie. In addition he has the ability to find the killer pass and make late runs into opponents penalty areas. A complete all round top class midfielder in the making. Lose him at your peril!
The back page of the ET today states,
“STEVIE SET TO ADD PLAYERS ALL OVER
“Gerrard admits he needs to strengthen ‘in every area’of Rangers squad”.
I wonder what odds the bookies would offer on Rangers * wages bill reaching around 50% of turnover.
Go on Stevie, spend, spend, spend.
BTW, is the fee for OE not £9 Mil then?
If it is, then the Virgil Van Dijk windfall would cover 2 thirds of Eddie’s fee. Either way, a £9 Mil player for £3 Mil, is a great piece of business.
Brendan and staff already at work for weeks. #StaunchStevie just showed up at Hummer Park …
Odsonne signed 4 year deal.
Let the games begin
Hail hail
Phil, are you suggesting that the Celtic board are not united in backing their manager’s spending plans?
Excellent post there Phil, I agree with the Ralston loan. It gave him the experience of scrapping in the championship. If he doesnt work to the highest standards and work rates thats where you end up or across brehind the newly painted shutters.
The last two paragraphs, Class
As you say Phil, the spoon fed feel good shite is all before a ball is kicked.