Ange Postecoglou has spoken optimistically about securing Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers on permanent deals.
The Celtic boss isn’t in the business of arm-twisting players into deals that they aren’t keen on. Instead Postecoglou wants to create an environment in which players are very reluctant to leave with Champions League football central to that.
It is five years since Celtic Park last hosted Champions League football, the stage that most fans crave to see their side compete at.
There has been a few memorable Europa League nights in recent years but Thursday’s don’t quite do it after the main event has been broadcast on the previous two nights.
It seems that deals are in place with Spurs and Benfica for the loan bhoys but at the end of the season the decisions will very much be down to what the players want from their careers.
Postecoglou told The Sun:
If we are playing in the Champions League next year, and that should be our goal every year, then it will be an attraction for players to stay. But it will also be an attraction for players to come.
The appeal to come here is playing in front of 60,000 people every second week. It’s competing in Europe, competing for trophies and playing for a club that’s universally known around the world. That’s the attraction.
This is a two-way thing. The player has to want to be here and we have to want them. When you have that sort of thinking, I’m sure we will get a deal done. There’s no issue if players see their future away from here or have different motivations.
Both Cameron and Jota are saying all they need to say to me with their performances. They have been outstanding contributors all year and are great young men as well and I am loving having them as part of his football club.
With his strike rate in the transfer market Celtic will have other options if Carter-Vickers or Jota opt to go elsewhere. In January Matt O’Riley was signed within days of Riley McGree opting for Middlesbrough.
I don’t think there’s anything new in comments like that other than this time they come from Ange. People have been saying that sort of stuff for years but with minimal board backing to achieve it. Rodgers tried and gave up on an unambitious board. If we want a more positive approach and Ange to stay and continue to grow the team, squad and club then we need the board’s backing and a willingness to pay a bit more to secure it, similar to and like we did with Sutton and Hartson in what seems like a very very long time ago. CCV and Jota would make a distinctive and progressive move away from the loanee Celtic we’ve become used too. HH
Both players need to be signed and signed on at least 3 year deals. Despite being out through injury for a considerable period of time Jota has been a sensation and as long as he wants to stay with the club ,the transfer fee shouldn’t be an issue. At £6M (or in that region) his performances and consistency have been remarkable. CCV has also been a great find and again I dont think the transfer fee should be an issue as he has put in some great performances consistently. Hopefully, if signed permanently, they will only get even better being used to their new club,teammates and surroundings.