A place at the high rollers' table is Celtic's reward for being brave in the transfer market
Share:
Since the December night in 2012 when Kris Commons’ late penalty against Spartak Moscow last took Celtic through to the knockout round of the Champions League, the club’s issue hasn’t been so much about making similar inroads in the competition. It’s been about getting there in the first place.
![[Winger Nicolas Kuhn has shown the quality Brendan Rodgers needed from his new signings]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/23/20/94448139-0-image-m-116_1737663355512.jpg)
In the 11 subsequent seasons, the Parkhead club only mixed it with Europe’s elite on five occasions in the group stage. The names of those whose challenges proved insurmountable in qualifying rounds would hardly be classed among Europe’s elite: Maribor, Malmo, AEK Athens, Cluj, Ferencvaros and Midtjylland.
![[Kasper Schmeichel has proved that Celtic can still unearth bargains in the transfer market]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/23/20/94448117-14319033-Kasper_Schmeichel_has_proved_that_Celtic_can_still_unearth_barga-m-12_1737664078402.jpg)
In the years when that hurdle was cleared, just once — in season 2017-18 — did Celtic avoid the ignominy of finishing bottom of their group. Celtic could talk about being a Champions League club but, when their attendance record and performances over a prolonged period didn’t match the claim, the conversation had a hollow ring to it.
There’s been no great secret as to why the club have punched below their weight in that period. Adam Idah repaid some of his £8.5m transfer fee by forcing the winning goal against Young Boys. Winger Nicolas Kuhn has shown the quality Brendan Rodgers needed from his new signings.
Kasper Schmeichel has proved that Celtic can still unearth bargains in the transfer market. A transfer strategy which leaned too heavily on unearthing bargains inevitably saw a string of managers work with squads which had star quality but were bloated with too many mediocre players.
