Celtic, the Scottish heavyweights, have a long season ahead and started their pre-season camp in Austria already. Brendan Rodgers, the Hoops boss, has not been involved in much transfer activity so far except tying down Scott Bain and Odsonne Edouard on permanent transfers following a successful loan stint.
Edouard, the French youth international who progressed through the academy ranks of PSG, was wrapped up in a club-record deal and the current depth of the Hoops squad has refrained the Northern Irishman from making desperate attempts to make luxury additions in their already balanced set up.
Rodgers, meanwhile, might find it hard to keep hold of their prized asset Kieran Tierney, the 21-year-old left-back who has been monitored by several Premier League outfits in recent windows and reportedly set for a record transfer in Scottish football’s history amid interest from Everton who are preparing a bid of around £25m to bring him at Goodison Park, therefore, making him the first summer signing of new boss Marco Silva.
Celtic are currently on a seventh successive Premiership winning streak and also clinched a ‘double treble’ in Rodgers’ two-year realm at Parkhead. But losing out key players might be a big boost for their famous rivals Rangers who are desperate to find a way back under Liverpool and England great Steven Gerrard, the newly appointed Gers boss, who is plotting a resurgence at Ibrox by dethroning his former Reds gaffer Rodgers from Scottish supremacy.
Tierney, meanwhile, made a costly error against Czech outfit Bohemians 1905 yesterday which saw them losing the friendly fixture. Although Rodgers backed his prized asset and lauded his commitment, a warning has been issued to Tierney to keep his focus as Everton prepare a £25m bid.
“If something comes in then fine but he just needs to go out and concentrate because it is an important part of the season as we get ready for a long season ahead”.
Rodgers might lose the Scotsman in due course but his statement deserves appreciation as he expects Tierney to be at his absolute best as long as he is here and helps the Hoops to make it to the Champions League group stage by winning the qualifiers. The gaffer, meanwhile, should start looking out for an alternative but, at the same time, must keep hold of his stance and strike the best possible deal that will allow him to invest in the squad and strengthen themselves further.
