Neil Lennon knows the Celtic transfer model like the back of his hand. Over his two stints as manager of the club, he enjoyed a ton of success. Before Brendan Rodgers this season, he was the last one to take the Hoops into the Champions League knockout phase and on top of that, he won a ton of silverware at the domestic level as well, all while working under the financial constraints that come with life at Parkhead.
So, when Lennon talks about the Celtic model, it comes from a place of expertise. And it is safe to say that he won't be suprised if there is a big exit in the summer.
Of course, after the Champions League success this season, most fans would want to see this team remain intact and for the club to add on top of that in order to push for more progress at the European level next time around. It does not always work like that though.
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, while talking to Premier Sports on if there will be a big sale in the summer, Lennon said:
"That’s the point. There are a lot of assets in that team and in that squad. O’Riley went in the summer for £30 million. He was a great player and had a fantastic season.
“The evolution of the team, if anything, Celtic have improved again this year. Then you go and get a player like Engels and McCowan, who has gone under the radar really, then turn them into assets.
“They have been working like this for the last 15-20 years with unbelievable success."
Neil Lennon makes bold £30 million Celtic exit claim
Celtic fans are pretty used to seeing the club's best players leave at this point in time. That has happened on a consistent basis for so many years.
Nicolas Kuhn is the latest player to be linked with a big-money Celtic exit after his heroics against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and brilliant play throughout the season. Last summer, it was the same with Matt O'Riley.
The good thing is, Celtic always seem to find a way to maintain their success, even when their best players leave. And there is no doubt they will do the same again, if or when it happens.