One must acknowledge that Celtic are great when it comes to identifying top talents early in their careers. But a lot of the time, they then allow things to drag on and try to bring down the transfer fees, rather than going out and signing these players. Ultimately, others are ready to match the transfer valuation and the Hoops miss out. Ivan Toney, Antoine Semenyo, John McGinn and Mathias Kvistgaarden are great recent examples of this.
Soon, we might be adding another name to that worrying list. It is that of Eduard Spersyan, the American midfielder who captained Krasnodar to league glory last season.
Celtic were linked with Spertsyan, going back to last summer. Even last month, it was suggested that their interest in the player was intact and a transfer valuation of €14 million was believed to be in place. But now, it looks like some of Europe's top names have entered the race to sign him and that number has skyrocketed.
As reported by TuttoAtalanta, Spertsyan is being monitored by Manchester United, PSG and Brentford, as well as Atalanta, of course. Ajax also want him. He is now valued at a transfer fee of €25 million.
Celtic handed €25m transfer blow by Manchester United, PSG, Atalanta and others
So, it is hard to see Celtic even competing in the Spertsyan race anymore. That is another top quality talent they have missed out on by leaving things too late and trying to get a 'good deal'.
Celtic will be looking to add to their midfield this summer though. It remains to be seen who they end up adding there. A move for Benjamin Nygren is believed to be close, all but agreed, and he is capable of playing in the number 10 role.
Celtic have been missing the production of Matt O'Riley since his departure and need someone capable of scoring consistently from the middle of the park. Will Nygren prove to that guy or will they bring in somebody else? We shall find out soon.