BBC pundit Allan Preston has praised Celtic’s recruitment strategy, claiming the Hoops have been “miles ahead” of Rangers in the transfer market for years. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Preston pointed to Celtic’s consistent ability to identify and develop talent, contrasting it with Rangers’ struggles in the market.
“I just think your manager dies by his recruitment, I’m afraid. Celtic have got miles better recruitment and they have done so for many, many years,” Preston said.
He highlighted several key deals, including Daizen Maeda (£1.3m), Reo Hatate (£2m), and Matt O’Riley (£800k), who was recently sold for £25m. The pundit also pointed to past masterstrokes, citing Henrik Larsson (£600k) and Didier Agathe (£50k) as examples of Celtic’s long-standing transfer success.
He continued: “Their recruitment over the years has been miles ahead of Rangers and that’s their biggest problem and that’s the biggest hurdle that Phillippe Clement has got to overcome. He’s got to get better recruitment.”
A Model of Smart Business
Celtic’s recruitment strategy has been a major factor in their domestic dominance and financial superiority over Rangers. The club has a well-established approach of signing undervalued talent, developing them, and selling at a profit—Matt O’Riley and Jota being prime examples.
While the Hoops have made big-money signings, such as the £11m capture of Arne Engels, they don’t find themselves in the financial turmoil that has plagued their city rivals. Meanwhile, Rangers have struggled to replicate this model, with recruitment failures leaving them playing catch-up both on and off the pitch. Paying over the odds for average talent in a bid just to keep up with the Hoops.
Current Squad Reflects Transfer Success
Celtic’s squad depth and quality are clear, with key players like Maeda, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Nicolas Kuhn playing vital roles. Brendan Rodgers’ side remains in contention for a domestic treble, and with a 13-point lead over Rangers, the title race already looks all but over.
The club’s structured approach ensures long-term success, and while not every signing is a hit, Celtic’s track record in the transfer market is a major reason they continue to dominate Scottish football.
