Celtic’s transfer business over the last three windows has been hailed as ‘tremendous’ by the fans [Glasgow World].
Ange Postecoglou has done a remarkable job in being able to source talent that has slotted into the side and made a material difference to the club’s results on the pitch.
Players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate have all excelled since joining the club and all player their part in helping the gaffer win the title last season.
But that’s not all Postecoglou’s transfer business has done.
A report published by CIES highlights the average age of the squad and I have to say, the immediate future of the squad looks extremely good in comparison to others in the Scottish league.
Almost 50% of the first team playing staff is between the ages of 22 and 25 years old. The perfect age for players that still have room to develop and build a solid foundation for years to come.
This also ensures that should any of the players in that bracket excel and become noticed, the club are in a prime position to demand top dollar in the transfer market and include add-ons like sell-on clauses.
With almost 30% of our first team players between 26-29 years old, this gives us the perfect balance of experience on the pitch to help guide those in the younger age bracket on the pitch to help drive results.
These players are also at their so-called peak and could be sold at a premium on the transfer market.
With just over 11% of the team aged over 30%, players like Joe Hart, James McCarthy and Aaron Mooy help provide that time-served experience to the rest of the squad, especially the youths who are trying to break through.
Worryingly though, the report does highlight the lack of opportunity the club does give to the u21s. This does lend weight to the reasons why the club are losing a lot of top young talent and I am sure that is an area that Ange Postecoglou will look to resolve sooner rather than later.