McAvennie ‘licking his lips’ at Celtic transfer shift after £40m report
Frank McAvennie is “licking his lips” ahead of next season as Celtic await their Champions League group stages draw.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Hoops striker said the money guaranteed from Europe’s elite competition has allowed the Glasgow club to make signings early in the window.
Ahead of the Champions League draw in August, Football Scotland reported (14 July) that the Bhoys will have a guaranteed £40million windfall from the group stages.
Ange Postecoglou’s side finished top of the Scottish Premier League last season which guaranteed them a place in the Champions League group stages.
It is the first time the Hoops have made it past the qualifiers since 2018.
When asked how important the Champions League money will be, McAvennie told Football Insider: “It’s important because you look at what happened on the other side of the city, clubs can so easily find themselves in trouble.
“People have been annoyed at Celtic and giving them a hard time because they’re not spending enough. One of the reasons I like Ange Postecoglou is because he’s come in and said he wants to bring players in now and all of a sudden they’re bringing players in which is great, rather than waiting to see if we qualify for the Champions League.
“Normally Celtic have to wait to see if they’ve got Champions League money before they spend and that’s not what you need. You need to gamble. Sometimes you need the new players to help get you through the qualifiers.
“They’re in now so they’re spending money and long may it continue. They’re not in debt, the club is at a good level.
“There’s some wonderful talent at Celtic now. This manager has taken the team to heights I never thought they would see last year. I’m just licking my lips to see what’s going to happen this year.”
In other news, a Celtic expert has tipped Mikey Johnston to ‘be a star’ for rival club after manager’s reveal.