Celtic are being urged to capitalize on their financial muscle by developing a multi-club network to enhance their global scouting and player development, according to Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast on 21st June 21. Keith Wyness, former CEO of Aberdeen, Everton, and Aston Villa, told Football Insider that the Scottish champions, who secured £43 million in prize money from their 2024-25 Scottish Premiership triumph and UEFA Champions League participation, should emulate clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City by establishing a network of feeder clubs worldwide. This strategy, Wyness argues, would allow Celtic to uncover young talent, develop players through loans, and maximize transfer profits, ensuring their continued dominance in Scottish football.
Celtic have been a powerhouse in Scottish football, winning 13 of the last 14 Scottish Premiership titles, with their only slip in 2020-21 when Steven Gerrard’s Rangers claimed the crown. Under Brendan Rodgers, the Hoops clinched the 2024-25 title but fell short of a domestic treble, losing to Aberdeen on penalties in the Scottish Cup final. Their European campaign, including a notable 4-2 Champions League win over RB Leipzig at Celtic Park, contributed significantly to their £43 million prize haul, per Football Insider. This financial windfall, combined with a reported £60 million transfer budget, positions Celtic to invest strategically, as noted by Daily Record.
Keith Wyness, who now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs, emphasized the potential of a multi-club network to transform Celtic’s transfer strategy. Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he said, “I’ve been screaming at them for ages to spend some of that money, but to spend it on a multi-club network and develop that throughout the world.” Models like Manchester City’s City Football Group, which includes clubs like Girona and New York City FC, or Chelsea’s partnerships with Strasbourg and Vitesse, allow for seamless player loans and cut-price acquisitions. Wyness believes Celtic’s £43 million windfall provides the resources to establish such a system, enabling them to sign and develop prospects globally.
Wyness highlighted Celtic’s “tried and tested” scouting method, which has unearthed talents like Virgil van Dijk (signed for £2.6m, sold for £75m), Moussa Dembele (£500k, sold for £19.7m), and Odsonne Edouard (£4m, sold for £14m). He expects Celtic to “uncover a young diamond” this summer, with The Scotsman linking the club to Brondby’s Mathias Kvistgaarden and Rapid Vienna’s Benjamin Böckle).
Implementing a multi-club network presents challenges, including high initial costs and regulatory complexities, as noted by The Athletic in its analysis of multi-club models. Celtic’s reluctance to adopt this approach, despite Wyness’ advocacy, may stem from their focus on immediate squad needs, with Rodgers prioritizing a striker and defensive reinforcements like Kieran Tierney. Fans are divided, with @HoopsFanaticon X (June 23, 2025) praising the idea as “forward-thinking,” while @CelticChatquestioned the need for a network given Celtic’s scouting success.
Pundit Chris Sutton, in his Record Sport column, supported Wyness’ vision, arguing that a multi-club system could “future-proof Celtic’s dominance” but cautioned against overspending on unproven talent. The club’s £25m sale of Matt O’Riley to Brighton in 2024 shows their ability to profit from young players, a model a network could amplify.
A multi-club network could revolutionize Celtic’s player development, allowing them to sign talents like Kvistgaarden or Böckle, loan them to feeder clubs, and sell for profit, as Manchester City did with Cole Palmer (£42.5m to Chelsea). It would also ease PSR pressures in European competitions. However, failing to invest in immediate squad needs could risk their title defense against a resurgent Rangers under Russell Martin. For Rodgers, balancing short-term signings with long-term infrastructure will be key.
Celtic’s financial strength, bolstered by £43 million in prize money, positions them to explore a multi-club network, as urged by Keith Wyness on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast. With Brendan Rodgers targeting a striker and expecting to uncover young talent, Celtic’s “tried and tested” overseas scouting will continue, but a global network could elevate their strategy. As the transfer window, open until September 1, 2025, progresses, Celtic fans will watch closely to see if the club embraces Wyness’ vision and lands the next “young diamond” to sustain their Scottish dominance.