Brendan Rodgers future in doubt - 5 things learned from Celtic's defeat to Kairat Almaty
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Tue 26 August 2025 20:45, UK
Celtic suffered an embarrassing exit in the Champions League on penalties to Kairat Almaty that further highlighted Brendan Rodgers’ concerns over the Hoops’ lack of transfer business.
After a 0-0 first leg between the teams in Glasgow, Celtic travelled to Kazakhstan for a crucial tie to determine their Champions League fate.
Celtic’s lack of attacking threat though meant the match remained goalless after 120 minutes of action, with penalties deciding the outcome.
Adam Idah, Luke McCowan and Daizen Maeda all missed penalties in the shootout as Celtic drop down to the Europa League.
(Credit: Getty Images)
In a match short of quality, a lack of transfer activity from Celtic was further highlighted, and now the Hoops have crashed out of the Champions League it appears evident that reinforcements must be brought in.
Uruguayan left-back Marcelo Saracchi is close to joining Celtic, whilst Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha also looks to be an imminent arrival in Glasgow.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Whilst another winger and cover for Kieran Tierney at left-back is crucial pieces of business, Idah’s poor start to the season means a proven striker is urgently needed.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Celtic were to make a move for Lorient striker Sambou Soumano whilst free agent Jamie Vardy is also an option being explored.
Rodgers has insisted that he will not walk away from Celtic mid-way through the season, but the poor quality on show and a current lack of backing in the market to make his side competitive in the league stages must make him think about a possible exit.
His departure to Leicester City in his first spell did not go down well with the Celtic support, though if progress in the Champions League cannot be made then what is there left to achieve at the club for Rodgers?
Amid his need to be backed in the transfer market, Rodgers did not make a substitution until the 70th minute.
Both players arrived at Celtic Park for hefty fees and their lack of impact on proceedings will have frustrated Rodgers, whilst some supporters may believe money has been wasted on the pair.
Saracchi’s arrival will be well-timed as the third substitution saw Tierney replaced by Dane Murray and centre-back Liam Scales shifted to left-back.
Maeda did not find the net against Kairat Almaty.
In the Champions League, Yang has shown that he is a player that cannot start for Celtic.
Norwich City were interested in Yang, but a deal never materialised and if Celtic do sign a couple of new forwards before the transfer window shuts then the 23-year-old may be one player that leaves.
Related Posts