Celtic’s Former Striker Reveals Rodgers Fallout: Should The Club Change Transfer Policy?

Celtic’s Former Striker Reveals Rodgers Fallout: Should The Club Change Transfer Policy? Moussa Dembélé has reopened an old Celtic chapter after explaining the agreement he discussed with Brendan Rodgers before moving to Glasgow in 2016. The former striker claims both parties had a clear understanding about his development and eventual move to one of Europe’s leading leagues. Moussa Dembélé reveals what Celtic promised before his exit Speaking to the Daily Record , Dembélé revealed that the original plan involved spending two seasons at Celtic before pursuing an opportunity in a top-five European league. However, the Frenchman felt disappointed with how discussions unfolded when an opportunity to leave eventually arrived. The striker made clear that his frustration centred on the circumstances surrounding his departure rather than his entire experience under Rodgers. He believes the manager played a significant role in his development, both professionally and personally. Dembélé enjoyed considerable success during his time in Scotland. Celtic won the domestic treble in his first campaign under Rodgers, followed by another treble in 2017-18. His performances attracted interest from several European clubs, with Lyon securing his signature in August 2018. His departure reportedly generated a fee of around £20 million, although published figures vary. Despite their disagreement, Dembélé has retained considerable respect for Rodgers. He praised the manager’s tactical influence and recalled how Celtic developed into a side that opponents feared facing. The pair recently met again in Saudi Arabia, where Dembélé’s Al-Ettifaq drew 2-2 against Rodgers’ Al-Qadsiah. Their meeting gave both men an opportunity to put their previous disagreement behind them. Dembélé confirmed that Rodgers wished him well for the season, suggesting their relationship has moved beyond the disappointment surrounding his Celtic departure. “It didn’t end the way at Celtic it was supposed to,” Dembélé said. “If I could change something, I would change that. The part where I went out. “But not on my side because, when I first met Brendan in London, like one month before I signed for Celtic, the plan was really, really clear: come here, work hard for two seasons and then, obviously, we will try to send you to a top-five league club. “So, yeah, when the opportunity came, I was really disappointed because I felt like what’s been said hadn’t been delivered. And that’s what happened. “Everything is behind us now. Brendan’s been a massive, massive part of my career. He made me improve a lot as a player and as a man. “We had an Invincible season, then we made the Double Treble, and he was a big part of it because he made a massive improvement to the squad. “Obviously, we were playing much better football. Teams were scared of us. That’s the reality. “A team would just come and say: ‘Okay, today we try just not to lose, but not to lose like 3-0 or 4-0.’ Brendan was a big part of that. “He is a fantastic manager. His record speaks for itself. I don’t need to say much about it.” “I didn’t want it to end like that at Celtic, but I think he also didn’t want it to end like that,” Dembélé added. “I think it’s the same for both parties. “Sometimes you are in a different place, not on the same page, and that’s not only football. That’s in life, too. “You have to step back, see the positives from it and just get on with it. Simple. “I just played against him two weeks ago. We drew 2-2 against his team and, obviously, everything is now behind us. He wished us good luck for the season.” Should Celtic change how they promise career pathways to recruits? RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – AUGUST 24: Moussa Dembele of Al Ettifaq celebrates after scoring the 1st goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Shabab and Al Ettifaq at Al-Shabab Club Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) Celtic have built their recruitment model around identifying talented players, developing them and eventually generating significant transfer income. However, Dembélé’s comments highlight a problem that can emerge when clubs discuss future opportunities with ambitious recruits. A development pathway must involve more than verbal assurances. Players and their representatives need clarity about transfer expectations, potential valuations and the club’s position when serious offers arrive. Celtic need ambitious footballers who recognise the club’s sporting project, but they must understand that development does not guarantee an automatic departure after an agreed period. My view is that Celtic should avoid promising fixed exit dates. Instead, the club should establish clear review points, explain their valuation policy and communicate openly whenever transfer opportunities emerge. Dembélé’s experience shouldn’t damage Celtic’s reputation, particularly given his praise for Rodgers. However, Celtic must ensure future signings never feel that an agreement changed once their performances attracted serious interest. Trust matters.