Celtic Turmoil Deepens With Fans and Manager Discontent | OneFootball

Celtic’s Transfer Turmoil: Fans, Frustration and Future Uncertainty

Anger from the stands

Celtic’s summer has been defined not by excitement but by exasperation. The transfer window has closed with banners in the stands, jeers in the air, and fans branding the club’s business as an “absolute embarrassment”. Supporters believe the board are actively managing a decline, with one particularly cutting line echoing through Glasgow’s east end: the champions have “proven again they are not a serious football club”.

That fury has not been contained to the terraces. Brendan Rodgers, whose contract runs until next summer, has also hinted at frustration. His subtle digs at the hierarchy underscore the growing divide between manager and board.

Deadline day disappointment

For weeks, there was anticipation that Celtic would make bold moves late in the window. Instead, just one player arrived: Sebastian Tounekti, a 23-year-old Tunisian winger. Meanwhile, Adam Idah was allowed to leave for Swansea, despite Rodgers making it clear that he would only sanction a departure if a replacement had been secured.

The striker situation is particularly bleak. Kyogo Furuhashi has not been adequately replaced since his exit, leaving Rodgers two forwards short. There was hope in Kasper Dolberg, who instead returned to Ajax, and links with David Datro Fofana and Sekou Mara went nowhere. Kelechi Iheanacho, now a free agent, may yet sign, but the lack of a marquee addition has left fans restless.

Balance or imbalance?

Celtic’s 12 summer signings paint a curious picture. Only five appear ready for regular first-team action, with Kieran Tierney the standout. Tounekti, Benjamin Nygren and Michel-Ange Balikwisha could all develop into key players, but questions remain about their suitability.

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Supporters have noted an imbalance across the squad. Rodgers praised Tounekti’s ability to “operate on both sides”, yet his track record is overwhelmingly from the left. Balikwisha and Daizen Maeda also favour that flank, raising concerns that Celtic are over-stacked on one side and thin on the other. Meanwhile, raw prospects like Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny are unlikely to shoulder the burden of European football.

Rodgers’ next steps

Rodgers’ plea for reinforcements was not answered, and the consequence was swift: a humiliating Champions League exit to Kairat Almaty. With only domestic duties and Europa League fixtures ahead, the margin for error narrows.

His first spell ended in acrimony; this one risks following a familiar path unless the Celtic board show ambition. For now, the discontent lingers, and the question remains: can this squad carry Celtic forward, or has another season already been compromised before it truly begins?