Celtic told to pull plug on late signing after stunning £40m reveal
Celtic have been urged to pull the plug on any late January signings in favour of saving their funds for a summer spending spree.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that the Champions League money could be better used to strengthen the squad at the end of the season.
Brendan Rodgers’ side confirmed their place in the next round of European fixtures for the first time since the 2012-13 season thanks to a 1-0 win against Young Boys on 22 January.
Following that win, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 23 January that Celtic have earned a guaranteed £38million after securing their place in the Champions League knockout round play-offs.
Robinson has now insisted that they do not need to make any additions to their squad just for the sake of it, and could manage the rest of the season with the players currently available.
Instead, they have been tipped to be patient and oversee a structured rebuild of their side in the summer and add further strength to what has proved to be a dominant squad domestically.
Celtic told to plan summer rebuild after snubbing January deals
Rodgers has guided his side 13 points clear in the Scottish Premiership and past the league phase of the Champions League, and could yet add quality to the squad this month.
However, a more measured approach to incoming transfer has been mooted, with Robinson backing the Hoops to take their time and ensure any incoming deals are the right ones.
“I don’t think they need to rush out and spend money,” he told Football Insider.
“I think the biggest step for them was getting this far in the Champions League like they haven’t done in a long while, with this group of players.
“If you’re strengthening for the Champions League and the right players are out there, then the opportunity is there for them to do so.
“Now, there’s an influx of money that will be coming in after qualification for the next round.
“But actually, there’s an argument to stick with what he’s got in the Champions League until the end of the season.
“Don’t just go buying players for the sake of it.
“That money can be used at the end of the season and invested into the whole squad.
“They can rebuild… Well, not rebuild the whole place, but strengthen the options they’ve got because they’re already so far ahead of everybody in Scotland at the moment.”
In other news, Kasper Schmeichel “could be in trouble” after Celtic referee incident.
For more Celtic news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.