Neil Lennon wants to use some of the money raised from the sale of Kieran Tierney to buy up to five new players to strengthen his Celtic squad. Tierney sealed his move to Arsenal on Wednesday for a Scottish record of £25m, with the Bhoys finally relenting after rejecting a couple of the Gunners’ previous offers.
The 22-year-old has been tipped to be a success in the Premier League after shining for the Hoops in his 102 Scottish Premiership appearances. The transfer window in England is now shut, but Scottish clubs can wheel and deal for a few more weeks.
Lennon has made it clear that he wants new faces to arrive. “It’s a lot of money,” he said. “I’ll be standing with my hands out. We’ll look to bring another left-back in, no question. “And a right-back as well. And a left winger. And a right winger. And maybe a centre-forward.”
Celtic are in a great position to advance to the Champions League play-off round after drawing 1-1 at Romanian side CFR Cluj. The return leg in Glasgow takes place on August 13, and should the Celts make it all the way to the group stage of Europe’s elite club competition, Lennon feels they will be in a better position to attract top stars.
“We want to keep making Celtic an attractive proposition for any player,” he added. “We feel we are making steps in the right direction on that. If we can get into the Champions League then we become a very attractive proposition for a lot of players.”
Celtic are 1.36 to win yet another Scottish title, with Glasgow rivals Rangers on offer at 3.10.