Celtic news: Finance guru issues ‘£20m’ claim as Ben Doak deal analysed
Celtic are resigned to the fact that they will often lose academy players like Ben Doak before they develop into “£20million-plus” assets.
So says finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 16-year-old winger’s departure to Liverpool.
Per The Athletic last Thursday (31 March), Celtic will receive £600,000 in compensation for the rising star, who was yet to sign professional terms.
Player sales are central to the Hoops’ business model, with the likes of Kieran Tierney’s big-money exit to Arsenal ensuring a return on academy investment in recent years.
But the Glasgow giants know that losing top talents before they turn pro is an inherent risk in their strategy, claims Plumley.
“It’s largely because of Fifa regulations,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“England and Scotland are classed as different countries and they can settle on a compensation fee which is far lower than a transfer fee.
“Celtic do this in reverse as well, so you have to be mindful of it in this model.
“The player has a choice to stay at Celtic and develop into a £20m-plus player or move on and do the same at another club.
“Celtic have to be aware that big clubs will be looking at their players and are well placed to capitalise.
“For every Tierney you manage to keep and sell for a big fee, you might have a few of these along the way.”
Doak made two appearances for the Hoops senior team.
The youngster will not be eligible to play academy games for Liverpool until next season.
In other news, Celtic open talks with Gavin Strachan over new contract.