Liverpool want £8 million transfer fee for Celtic flop

Celtic may be well off financially in comparison to other Scottish clubs. But that doesn’t mean they can or should pay over the odds in order to make new signings. The transfer window will always have a few bargain deals, but some of the fees asked for these days make little sense. That seems to be the case for one Premier League player.

Do you remember Nat Phillips of Liverpool? Most Celtic fans do, after his underwhelming spell on loan at Parkhead in the first half of last season. The expectation was that he would show what a Premier League player could bring to the side.

It didn't turn out to be much. During his time at Celtic, Phillips made only a handful of appearances. He spent most of his time on the bench before dropping out of the squad completely.

Phillips' spell at Celtic ended in January and he returned to Liverpool. He spent the remainder of the season on loan at Championship side Cardiff City.

Liverpool want £8 million transfer fee for Celtic flop

Turkish side Trabzonspor are believed to have made an offer of around £4 million to sign Phillips. But as reported by The Athletic, Liverpool have rejected the bid as they value him at a transfer fee around £8 million and are in no rush.

That’s an astronomical figure based on his time in Glasgow. It does highlight the position the Hoops are in with identifying potential signings. You certainly won’t find many fans unhappy with the board for not splashing out that kind of a fee to sign the Liverpool centre-back.

If we are to see the higher level of quality players Brendan Rodgers needs and wants, then Celtic will have to pay more. But as the Phillips news shows, higher transfer fees don’t guarantee success.