Rodgers Urged to Offload Celtic Flop Valued Below Adam Idah
Celtic’s recent transfer strategy has raised concerns as the club refrained from making substantial signings ahead of their Champions League qualifiers this summer. Following their disappointing play-off defeat to Kairat, Celtic found themselves relegated to the Europa League. The team’s cautious financial approach resulted in no high-profile acquisitions during the summer transfer window.
Financial Strategy and Impact on Player Registration
In stark contrast to last year’s spending spree, where Celtic invested heavily in players like Adam Idah and Arne Engels, the club’s focus this summer shifted away from marquee signings. Celtic did not complete any transactions exceeding £6 million. The reluctance to invest could be attributed to the lackluster performance of previous signings, notably Idah, who was sold at a significant loss after just one season.
Adam Idah’s Transfer and Performance
Last summer, Celtic acquired Adam Idah from Norwich City for £9.5 million after a successful loan spell. Despite scoring 20 goals across all competitions, he struggled to maintain a consistent scoring rate, averaging under one goal per game. By the end of the following transfer window, Celtic sanctioned a £6 million move to Swansea City, resulting in a £3.5 million loss for the club.
Concerns Over Other Signings
Idah is not the only player whose value has diminished. Celtic also signed Auston Trusty for £6 million, aiming to strengthen their defense. His performances have failed to justify the investment, as he has primarily been sidelined behind teammate Liam Scales in the defensive lineup.
Trusty’s Struggles and Market Value Decline
Trusty’s on-field contributions have been underwhelming, leading to significant declines in his market value. Recent statistics illustrate his challenges:
- Appearances: Liam Scales (26) vs. Auston Trusty (22)
- Clean Sheets: Scales (14) vs. Trusty (10)
- Tackles + Interceptions per Game: Scales (1.9) vs. Trusty (2.3)
- Dribbled Past: Scales (5) vs. Trusty (11)
- Errors Leading to Goals: Scales (1) vs. Trusty (5)
His market value has dramatically decreased from €7 million at the time of the transfer to approximately €5 million. This figure is lower than the fee paid to Swansea for Idah and highlights a troubling trend for the club.
Moving Forward: January Transfer Window Decisions
As Celtic navigates the complexities of their roster and financial commitments, the upcoming January transfer window will present crucial opportunities. Cutting losses on underperforming players like Trusty could be essential to avoid further depreciation of his value. Having already taken a hit with Idah’s sale, the club must strategize effectively to enhance their squad’s competitiveness while protecting their financial interests.
