Peter Lawwell isn’t anticipating a dramatic month of transfer dealing during January.
Despite an estimated £20m profit from the Champions League it’s unlikely that Celtic will be big spenders when the transfer window opens at the end of the month.
Some minor movement can be expected but like the most successful clubs Lawwell believes that January isn’t the time to go shopping.
“As usual we will try to come out of the transfer window stronger than we go in,” the Celtic chief explained.
“It’s not the best time to do business even Sir Alex Ferguson said that this week but if there’s value and we can, then we will — within the same strategy that we have employed.”
Looking ahead to the double header with Juventus he added: “It’s a fantastic draw, a formidable draw. Juventus are one of Europe’s great clubs. They are top of Serie A at the moment but we will be ready for it.
“I think we have shown in the qualifiers and in the group stage what we can do. It’s a formidable task but we will go into the game with a degree of confidence. As a club I think we are in a great place at the moment.
“This is the third time in six years that we have been in the last 16 — that’s a fantastic record. There’s an excitement around the club right now.
“We have a young, talented ambitious management team and we also have a young, talented group of players that we have created.”
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Squad must stay intact during window to have any chance of beating Juve!!
Let’s hope that Gary and Victor continue to play for the badge on their chest and not the lure of money in their pockets.
Remember where you came fae, eh lads?
Kenya and Essex
victor will stay till end of season because man utd dont buy in january if hooper wants to go then cash in on him
I’d most certainly try to offload some of those on the fringes while ensuring some backup for certain positions, even on loan.
According to the chip wrappers Juve are now looking to bring in Llorente from Athletico which would be a great signing for them.
We should remain active at all times in trying to improve the side. I appreciate January isn’t the best time but see no problem in getiing a couple of players on loan with a view to sign long term.
The CL games will enhance our chances of attracting the quality we require.
If its true that hooper is stalling on his contract id get rid of him in the window, but not on the cheap, lennon should publicy put a price tag on him and wanyama, 20 and 25 million,im fed up of our players being plundered on the cheap, and if the likes of andy carroll can go for £35 million then i think im being reserved with those values
If improvements can be made to our fringes, and potential 1st team “competitors” brought in, brilliant! It is more important to retain the bonding and talent of our core. Only Hooper and Wanyama are doubts in this core. Gary has an almost ready replacement in the wings in the shape of Tony Watt, and I am sure Gary must feel his breath on the back of his neck. Victor, well what can I say! Is he irreplaceable? Unless we are very lucky, certainly not at the price we paid! Remember that there will be 3 difficult quallies for the big cup next season, and a settled team is important early doors. I hope the new deals offered are competitive, and not jusst Lawell being “clever” as to apportioning blame, if they do move. We have an excellent squad and need to keep it, or potentially stumble at the quallies next season, with the knock on effect to Lenny,s ambitions, and available finances. In the meantime, we must march into the distance in the league, to relieve the pressure on All cup games. I am greedy! I want the lot this season! Including Juve at least in the CL! Lenny, we are not “demanding”…we simply match YOUR ambition. Cmon the hoops. HH
as a player you want to play at the top, last 16 of CL, cup tied in all competitions. why would they move when they can keep themselves in the CL shop window in anticipation of a potential move next summer.
Totally agree Antonius. To leave in Jan, could mean NEVER having the opportunity to have played in the last 16 CL. Nor the the 1/4,sem, or final. No matter how good you are, if you are not at the right team, at the right time, it won’t happen! Celtic WILL be the right team, at the right time, for the next few years. It is important for ALL the team to remember, that without Wilson’s, tackles and blocks, Mulgrew,s delivery, Sammy,s headers, Commons,s defence splitting, Mathews running, Broony,s inspiration, Watts wonder,goal, Lenny,s leadership (I am typing on phone so apologies to anybody left out), but you get the point! It is the team,your team, our team, which is making you soccer greats. We all owe so much, to each other. To dilute that, is to dilute greatness
WOW. Celtic saying they won’t spend money on players. What a surprise
If it’s not broken ,Don’t mend it !!!
If it’s not broken ,Don’t mend it !!!
However, the odd service is a good idea!
The clue is in the second paragraph i.e. ‘it’s unlikely that Celtic will be big spenders’
Celtics policy that has served them so well over the last few years is not one of big spending but rather one of idetifying gems from more obscure places and buying them relatively cheaply.
Expect that if any more of these players have been identified Celtic will pursure them with great determination.
Isn’t Scott McDonald’s contract up at boro? I’d like to see him sign a precontract with us in jan, he’s still a goal scorer and he still has a hunger. We still need a quality center back and a back up keeper for Forster, I’d get boruc back into the fray, and punt FF in the summer. We must sell to stay fresh and rise up in Europe. We don’t need to keep our best players we just need to develop to push them out. We don’t miss mcgeady, petrov, ki.
I know bringing in old heads might seem strange after saying we have to develop but a striker of McDonald’s quality teaching watt a few things does just that.
Wasn’t there alot of speculation atound the time that Mcdonald had a disruptive influence around the dressing room?
Big Foster is probably the main reason we are in the last 16 so I certainly wouldn’t be looking to cash in on him!