Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has shared his view that Celtic are in a title race with Rangers, and the lack of transfer activity in the English Premier League in January has meant that the Hoops were unable to recruit more players from England.
Mulgrew said (Sky Sports): “Celtic are five points clear at the top of the league. This is the first time in years that Rangers have threatened Celtic. Well, of course, there were a couple of seasons when they went on to win the league in the Covid season.
“But over the last 10-12 years, Rangers have not been at this level. So, that’s why Celtic fans are a bit nervous. They are obviously a bit disappointed with the window, as everybody in the club is.
“But if you look at the January transfer window overall, I think it starts at the Premier League. There have only been 30 signings, under £100 million in the Premier League spent this January.
“Compared to last year, there was over £800 million spent. So, that has a knock-on effect down to the Scottish Premiership, English Championship. It filters all the way down. It’s a pyramid system.”
Mulgrew provides great insight into the English transfer market, citing reduced spending in the Premier League as a factor affecting the overall transfer activity. Having played in England for the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic, and Wolves, he knows the market better than most.
However, Celtic should not solely be looking to recruit players from England, as Hoops supporters have previously seen that it can be difficult to find the right value in a market that, at times, can be overvalued.
Celtic must find the right balance in the future to further progress as a club. Players like Nat Phillips and James McCarthy highlight the challenges often faced in recruiting from the English market, whereas Matt O’Riley and Cameron Carter-Vickers showcase the benefits of buying players from England.
