BRENDAN SIGNINGS ARE ALL MINE

BRENDAN Rodgers insists he’s in charge of all Celtic signings and understands fans’ itch for new arrivals. 

WARM-UP Rodgers gears up for friendly against Ajax in Como tonight

Rodgers: I call the shots when it comes to new Bhoys – and I hear the fans loud and clea

24 Jul 2025 - Daily Record
FROM MICHAEL GANNON IN COMO

The Parkhead boss has shot down suggestions of a difference between club signings and his targets.

And while Rodgers described new boys Shin Yamada, Hayato Inamura and Callum Osmand as part of the club’s long-term strategy, he made it clear he has the final say on all signings – plus focused on landing players ready to make an instant impact.

Rodgers said: “It’s pretty straightforward. There will be players within our recruitment team that are not just for now but for the future. Clearly, I’ll look at those players and assess – and see if those players can come in and play.

“Then there will be other players we specifically need. It’s still very much joined up. I suppose it’s more around whether the players are for now or later.

“People know the model over a number of years.

“There are players who come in who are maybe not expected to hit the ground running but some of them do. That’s what I need to assess.

“But I also need to win now and we need to get those players in. Either way, I’ll be responsible.

“Club signings, with the greatest respect, I don’t care where they come (from), I just need good players in the building who can help us win today, tomorrow and next week.

“I’ve always developed players, so I respect that side of it but also the need for the present.”

Rodgers understands punters’ frustration, with the Hoops desperately needing at least one winger and another striker with a Champions League qualifier on the horizon.

He said: “I respect what the supporters are – I want players in tomorrow too – but I understand the market. It’s not as easy as clicking your fingers.

“There is a middle and an end – and as long as you have them in by the end, it’s such a long season. So I’m very hopeful we’ll do that because there is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes.

“We’re only 11 days away from the new season and want to get players in as quickly as we can.

“But the other club is looking to maximise their assets as well.”

Celtic have a pile of cash in the bank after the £17million sale of Nicholas Kuhn on top of impressive reserves. But Rodgers isn’t eyeing a bumper war chest after last summer’s £26m trio of Arne Engels, Adam Idah and Auston Trusty.

He said: “£250,000 or £12m, I’m not concerned. I just need quality players.”

Rodgers’ men will face Ajax in Como tonight with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston set to return. But Hoops fans might need to wait to see Yamada in action.

The boss added: “I’m not sure. Shin’s just come in. He’s been with us for a few days, it’s about assessing. We’ll take it from there.”