Celtic Plot Bold Move for ‘Outstanding’ EFL Star: Rodgers Set to Repeat Transfer Masterstroke
Fresh off clinching the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup in the 2024/25 season, the Hoops narrowly missed out on a historic treble after falling to Aberdeen in the SFA Cup final.
Brendan Rodgers is expected to strengthen his squad over the coming weeks, aiming not only to secure all three domestic trophies next year but also to make a stronger impact in the Champions League, following their exit in the playoff round this season.
Rodgers may look to replicate one of his past transfer masterstrokes, reminiscent of the move that brought Moussa Dembele to Parkhead back in the summer of 2016.
In his first transfer window at Celtic, Rodgers secured Dembele from Fulham on a free transfer, paying only a modest £500,000 in compensation due to the striker’s age. That gamble paid off spectacularly as Dembele netted 51 goals in 94 appearances before making a lucrative £20 million move to Lyon, generating a significant profit for Celtic.
Now, the Hoops could be on the verge of repeating that savvy approach with another English Football League talent whose contract is set to expire. Recent reports from The Scottish Sun link Celtic with Blackburn Rovers winger Tyrhys Dolan.
Norwich and Rangers are also reportedly interested, setting the stage for a potential transfer tussle over the 23-year-old attacker, who will be out of contract this summer.
Given his contract situation, Rodgers could land Dolan for a compensation fee well below Blackburn’s £10 million valuation, a chance to secure a promising young winger at a bargain price.
At 23, Dolan fits the profile of a rising star with plenty of room to grow, much like Dembele did when he arrived. John Eustace, Blackburn’s manager, has described Dolan as “outstanding,” highlighting his potential.
Joining a dominant Celtic side that has won the last four Premiership crowns, Dolan would likely find more chances to shine, playing regularly in a team that thrives on attacking football and control.
This environment could boost Dolan’s goal contributions far beyond the 14 assists and goals he managed in the Championship last season, thanks to Celtic’s relentless offensive style.
If Rodgers can work the same magic he did with Dembele, Dolan’s value could skyrocket, possibly even surpassing Blackburn’s current asking price, as he delivers consistent goals and assists in Scotland’s top flight.
And if the move doesn’t quite pan out, the financial risk for Celtic remains low, just like with Dembele, given the minimal compensation required to complete the deal.
