It is remarkable how little ambition and urgency Celtic have shown in the summer transfer window. After a fast start that saw arrivals like Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren, they have gone completely quiet in terms of incomings. What makes it even more worrying is the fact that they will need to qualify for the Champions League this time around, unlike the last three seasons.
Celtic will be facing either Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava in their qualifying game. And while they did win 5-1 against the latter last season, this time around, it could be a very different story. Not only are the Hoops seemingly weaker, but the dynamic changes entirely when it comes to two-legged ties.
There is not much time left to make some signings before those qualifiers. But judging from Brendan Rodgers' recent comments, nothing seems to be imminet.
When asked if he is expecting transfer business before Celtic's UEFA Champions League qualifier, Rodgers said:
"I really don't know. That's my honest answer."
'100% leaving' - Celtic fans left frustrated by Brendan Rodgers' claim
Well, that is not a helpful answer for fans waiting to see moves happen, that is for sure. And plenty have been left questioning Rodgers' future as well. One wrote: "The disconnect is there for all to see. He is 100% leaving next year."
Another fan added: "Surely the manager isn’t that detached from the process."
A third fan said: "I don't get nearly as vexed about transfers as most, what frustrates/worries me is the sense of disconnect between BR and those dealing with transfers."
Well, it is safe to say that Rodgers does seem pretty detached from the process. And one has to wonder why the club have been so reluctant to make moves this summer, when they know how much money is riding on that one qualifying tie. It is the difference between Champions League and Europa League.
Let's see what the future holds for Celtic. At this point, we are not expecting any signings to be made before the qualifier. In fact, it might be by design. The club might be determining their transfer budget based on if they make it or not.