Transfer Deadline Day Summer 2017

Just because we didn't sign anyone else doesn't mean there wasnt an alternative.
We could have asked about different cb's and clubs could've been playing the * trying to up the price.

If we were absolutely desperate for just any cb we'd have signed one.

 

It's possible we might revisit the Coetzee target in January, depending on how keen Brendan is or whether or not Coetzee is still available. But time moves on and we can't afford to get stuck in the traps.

 

This is it.

Rodgers has said for a while now that he won't go out and sign anyone just for the sake of it, or because they've suddenly decided to sign for Celtic just because we're in the group stages.

He obviously feels comfortable (at minimum) going into CL with what we have, and with what we've recently aquired.

And, as posters have alluded to, who's to say us going out and signing a CB (any CB) for say £4-5m is going to do any better than what he has up against a PSG frontline worth the best part of £400m, or one of the greatest teams and striker in world football (Bayern and Lewandowski)?

 

I think denayer may have been the plan B to Coetze, but he chose galatasry over us.

 

In that case, as in all football games, the one who scores the most goals will win.
Perhaps we should focus more on PSG's weaknesses, for what is essentially one game, for surely Boyata will be back for the game in Paris ?

 

He's just signed for someone else.

 

I genuinely really like and rate all of Boyata, Simunovic and Sviatchenko. Boyata is excellent from set pieces, but I suppose a big test for him will be against a proper attacking team.

Gordon
Lustig--Simunovic--Boyata--Sviatchenko--Tierney
Roberts--Brown--Ntcham--Sinclair
Dembele​

5-4-1: Defensive minded, but could also hit hard on the counter in Europe IMO. Bringing on Armstrong and Forrest as impact subs.

 

Gee whizz. Well that's that scuppered then.

 

Smart *.

 

Boyata has seriously improved under Rodgers - not just defensively, but also offensively chipping in with a few set piece goals.

He is an important member of this squad, hence why (when fit) both he and Jozo will be first choice partners at CB.

He may also be very important for the upcoming games against Anderlecht, being Belgian and all...

 

Aye right ye are, Michael Owen...

 

Aye.
And that's why I don't work in Asda.
Too good for the place.

 

Ahh the fickle football fans will say it's lack of ambition or intent to bring a centre back in. They're the same ones who will complain that someone isn't good enough or that we've brought in an average player.

I'm all for only bringing in a player that will improve and not panic buy. We were bloated with average players a couple of years ago and we're still feeling the affects until recently. We're probably in the best position we've been in years in terms of a low level of bloat in the squad.

 

I don't work in Asda * sake.

 

Well said Hammy.

 

Brendan did rate Rivaldo very highly then. Might have missed a gem because of the medical, but it is odd that outwith Celtic and other South African League teams, there's no interest in the guy.

 

Hey wait a minute Murphy.
I thought Budgie said he just signed for somebody else ?

 

Aye doc, another South African league team.

 

I think we've got a cracking squad. All that's missing is that core of 4/5 players that you could easily pick out as the spine of the team, mainly due to our lack of a recognised cb pairing.

Looks like we're onto a winner with Ntcham so I feel confident in our midfield. It's just up to Boyata/Sviatchenko to hit the ground running once their fit and show that they're good enough to partner Jozo week in/week out.

I'm happy with Gordon as though he can be shaky that should get better with a settled defence. Up front we've obviously got some great options.

Must admit I'm a bit disappointed that we haven't signed any players with real experience/pedigree. Signing projects and young talents is great when they work out, and we'll hopefully see a lot more from guys like Benyu, Eboue, Ajer etc as the season goes on, but it would have been nice to get a player that we recognised for a change.

Hopefully we've got a group of players good enough to give a good account of themselves in Europe, and we've saved a bit of money for investing in the team in the future when maybe a big name player does become available.