Celtic

Celtic: Frank McAvennie slates recent transfer activity

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Image for Celtic: Frank McAvennie slates recent transfer activity

Former Celtic and Scotland striker Frank McAvennie has slammed the club’s transfer business that has led to the surrendering of the Scottish Premiership title. 

Recently-departed manager Neil Lennon made six signings last summer, as the club went in pursuit of a 10th consecutive Scottish top-flight success.

Greek goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas arrived from AEK Athens, young Scottish midfielder David Turnbull made the eagerly anticipated switch from Motherwell and forward Albian Ajeti signed for the Hoops following a fruitless spell with West Ham.

Meanwhile, Lennon also bolstered his squad to the tune of loan deals for experienced Brighton defender Shane Duffy and Uruguayan full-back Diego Laxalt from AC Milan.

Forward Mohamed Elyounoussi’s loan from Southampton was also extended – proving to be shrewd business as the Moroccan has contributed directly to 17 goals this term.

Despite the perceived quality additions on paper, things haven’t worked out as planned this campaign and McAvennie told Football FanCast that the standard of the signings wasn’t sufficient:

“There’s players out there that you might not know, from foreigners, you think ‘bring them in’. Let them flourish, they’re destined to go to the Premier League because that’s where the money is.

“But bring them in here for a couple of years and let them shine, Celtic used to do that all the time. I don’t get where all this rubbish is coming from, I can’t say it any clearer than that, they’ve brought in some garbage!

“Not good enough for Celtic. Every manager brings in one or two, but there’s too many players that haven’t been good enough at Celtic. And it’s a shame.”

Will Celtic sign Shane Duffy permanently?

Yes

Yes

No

No

There’s no doubt, Duffy, Laxalt and Ajeti, in particular, have been a major disappointment this season – playing just 54 league games between them (Squawka).

Having arrived from elite leagues, many may have expected the trio to shine and ultimately lead the Bhoys to glory, however, that’s proven to be way off the mark.

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