Former Celtic defender Jackie McNamara has claimed that the Dedryck Boyata situation will not be affecting the Bhoys anymore as they prepare to compete effectively across a number of competitions this season.
Boyata was the subject of a lot of speculation regarding his future with Celtic and he refused to travel with the squad that lost their crucial third round Champions League qualifier away leg clash to AEK Athens.
The Belgian declared himself not fit to play, while Brendan Rodgers claimed that he was in fact a 100 per cent ready to play a part but opted against featuring out of his own will.
The defender was the subject of a multi-million bid from Premier League side Fulham earlier in the summer after Boyata refused to sign a new contract with the Scottish champions.
However, Celtic were able to keep hold of their man and McNamara has claimed that the transfer saga will not be affecting the squad anymore at least until January.
“I think obviously there’s been interest in him and he did well at the World Cup with Belgium”, McNamara told the Daily Express.
“Celtic turned down the bid from Fulham and they lost Moussa Demebele. It’s difficult to keep the players in Scotland.
“It’s hard to compete financially with the Premier League and other teams down south. The players can sometimes make double or treble the wages what Celtic can offer.
“It’s a case of Celtic maximising it in the right moment to make sure the club gets the best deal.
“Now the window is closed I don’t think it’ll affect the squad – but that might change in January”, he added.
Celtic may choose to cash in on Boyata in the January window, but will be keen to secure a replacement.
