Celtic’s summer transfer business explained — every arrival, departure and the club’s estimated net spend.
The summer transfer window has now closed after a frantic and chaotic end that saw five deadline day additions to the squad. Celtic saw a total of 11 players arrive during the summer window with 10 leaving permanently during that time. If you include loans then over 20 players left Celtic this summer.
A combination of incoming loan deals and permanent transfers saw Celtic rebuild the squad ahead of a busy season of domestic and European football. The headline deal of the summer was the record fee purchase of Kasper Høgh from Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt for around £11 million pounds. While the headline grabbing exit was Arne Engels moving to the English Championship with West Ham for a fee around £22 Million pounds.
But after all the incomings and outgoings, how much did Celtic actually spend and how much did they receive for the players sold. We breakdown the various deals below.
How much did Celtic spend?
If we look at the figures being reported then Celtic spent roughly £31 million pounds this summer. That number will likely rise if future performance add ons and bonuses are trigged. Celtic choose not to disclose transfer fees but there are reported figures that give a rough estimate of what the club have spent this window. This represents an increase of £16 million pounds after last summers failed transfer window that ultimately led to Brendan Rodgers leaving the football club. The club reportedly spent £15 million last summer.
Every Celtic summer signing
* There will be add ons to consider and also potential loan fees not included in this information.
How much did Celtic receive from player sales?
It’s believed Celtic received roughly £46.5 million pounds in sales this summer. Mainly from the Arne Engels transfer to West Ham and a few other sizeable deals.
Every Celtic summer sale
What was Celtic’s net spend?
Celtic transfer spending: £31 m
Celtic transfer income: £46.5m
Net transfer spend/income: + £15.5m
It’s likely the net transfer profit will be less once you factor in loan fees and add ons.
Bernardo and Balikwisha leave Celtic on loan with option to buy
Opinion
The window started in a positive manner with the acquisitions of Kasper Høgh and Camilo Duran for a combined £17 million pounds. However it took too long to get those two in the door initially. It looked like Celtic meant business during the summer window and would continue to spend big. However, the embarrassing Champions League exit to LASK appears to have altered plans somewhat. With several loans coming in on deadline day, it appears the club changed plans due to the lower rate of money they would receive from the Europa League. Whether Martin O’Neill has enough to fight domestically and in Europe is yet to be seen.
The figures based in this article are based on transfer figures published in the mainstream press. Celtic have not confirmed any of the fees received or spent this summer.
All views expressed on Celtic DNA are personal opinions and are for commentary and discussion purposes only