Celtic’s silence in the transfer market so far might surprise many, but the Hoops already got enough quality in their ranks as well as depth to maintain their dominance in domestic competitions despite Rangers‘ effort of reconfiguring themselves with an array of new recruits under new boss Steven Gerrard who was roped in for his maiden managerial stint at senior level following an illustrious regime with Liverpool and England as one of world’s finest midfielders ever. Rodgers, who managed the new Gers gaffer during Liverpool days, will now rival him as a manager in the title battle.
The Hoops, meanwhile, are finding it hard to keep hold of their key resources. Midfield general Stuart Armstrong has joined Southampton whereas young sensation Kieran Tierney is strongly linked to a move to Everton who are lining up a £25m bid to make the left-back their first summer signing under new boss Marco Silva.
It will be difficult for them to ignore interest from Premier League big boys and Rodgers, who won a domestic treble on both occasions of his two-year spell at Parkhead, will now have an uphill task of restoring balance in the squad. They have tied down French youth international Odsonne Edouard for a club-record fee following a successful loan stint from PSG, but his inclusion has now unsettled experienced Leigh Griffiths due to uncertainty over playing time.
Although Rodgers played down talks of a possible reunion with wantaway Liverpool forward Danny Ings stating he is ‘well covered’ high up the pitch with three of his striking options, the latest quotes of the Scottish international might prove to be a worrying sign in due course.
“Competition for places is always good, but we only play one upfront and as a striker, you want to be selfish.
“I’m at the time in my career where I need to be playing regular football. Hopefully, when I do get that starting jersey I’ll make it my own.”
The 27-year-old forward is with the club since 2014 but had to fight for a starting role in past two seasons since the arrival of Moussa Dembele and injuries often refrained him from cementing a place in Rodgers’ plan. Yet he returned a total of 31 goals in 70 appearances altogether since the Northern Irishman’s appointment, thus, exhibited his clinical nature in front of goal despite being rotated as the Hoops ‘number 9’.
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The addition of Edouard on a long-term basis, therefore, has jeopardized the Scotsman’s playing time furthermore and a move out in the near future will see the gaffer losing his grip over his well-developed squad. He now needs to sit down and talk with Griffiths, make him understand about his importance in the squad and ensure him game-time in a season where they will be competing in multiple competitions including the prestigious UEFA Champions League from qualifiers.
