Celtic’s decision to leave the number 7 shirt free this season is interesting in a number of ways. First, it’s a shirt who’s special status is being restored. That much is evident. It was last worn by Nadir Ciftci; that devalued it, in my opinion.
That we’ve not yet filled it suggests that it is being left aside for a talisman, for a footballer who can wear it well.
That’s exciting in itself. Even more exciting is that it resurrects hope in the return of Patrick Roberts.
That move has never quite been dead; there was always something going on in the background. If, as reports in England would have you believe, Roberts himself has now decided that Celtic is the move he wants to make, that shirt will be waiting for him.
He wants it; that’s what I’m hearing. I’ve also heard the deal is as good as done between the clubs.
It will happen, if it does, when our Champions League fates are known probably, but that number 7 shirt will not be worn by anyone sub-standard whilst Brendan Rodgers is boss. He knows what that shirt represents and he wants the right man to fill it.
Roberts’ qualities are known. The fee will be huge; it will put us into eight figures territory for this summer’s transfer spend, but we’ve got the resources to pull that off. The framework of a really good team is already taking shape. The signing of a number 7, whomever it may be, would only give us a further lift.
The team is now taking shape, with arrivals and departures both. The young Chelsea defender we have on loan might well sign to give us more cover at the back and rumours today link us with a striker from Zenit St Petersburg. Whether either of those comes about, we’ll have to wait and see but there’s a lot going on at Celtic Park. In spite of us just spending a tidy sum on a young midfielder people are not resting on their laurels.
As long as the most famous Celtic jersey of them all remains free, we can confidently say too that the best might still be to come.