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Celtic’s Champions League campaign might not have gone as hoped, and the club are out of Europe altogether after finishing bottom of their group, but overall, this has been a positive start to the season. The Hoops are sitting four points clear at the top of the Premiership table and have booked a date at Hampden Park as well, to take on Kilmarnock in the League Cup semi-final.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about this is that they have had this start to the season while dealing with injuries to key players like Callum McGregor, Jota, Carl Starfelt, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and several others at one point or another. One would expect that their performances would improve further as the season progresses.
There is the upcoming World Cup and the January transfer window, which holds the potential of derailing some of Celtic’s momentum. There is a real danger that clubs could come calling for players, if they impress at the World Cup.
Ange Postecoglou’s recent comments have left some fans concerned about potential exits coming soon as well. As reported by Football Scotland, the manager said about transfers:
"“We need to be aggressive and agile in the transfer market.“We will need to move players around to make gains. We have to maximise our squad to get the greatest revenue from the club. I’m comfortable with that. It will be unsettling for you guys, you’ll have favourite players but we need to be wise.”"
Some Celtic fans have been left concerned by Postecoglou’s comments on transfers
The timing of the comments from Postecoglou are a bit curious. A little while back, he had spoken about the importance of transfer exits as well.
Thus, some fans online feel that the manager is preparing the fans for potential exits in the January transfer window. The likes of Josip Juranovic and Matt O’Riley have already been linked with moves away from the club on multiple occasions with many believed to be interested.
Of course, players leaving in the middle of the season is never ideal. While Celtic do need to be agile in the transfer market, in order to maximise their squad, hopefully that will not happen in January, with the Premiership still up for grabs.