If Hoops keep Dembele he’ll be Euro hero
JOHN HARTSON reckons it’s imperative Celtic hold on to striker Moussa Dembele in the January transfer window.
With Leigh Griffiths injured the former Hoops hitman believes the Frenchman offers their best chance of reaching the latter stages of the Europa League.
Hartson insists the club doesn’t need to sell their prized asset ahead of their last-32 showdown with Zenit St Petersburg, despite a bid from Premier League side Brighton.
He said: “I don’t think Celtic are in a particular rush to sell Dembele.
“Celtic don’t need the money as they’ve already banked the cash for two hits in the Champions League group stages.
“Dembele is a quality striker. Rodgers will now be thinking about keeping him beyond January and using him in the Europa League which is an added bonus for Celtic.
“I am sure he is in constant correspondence with Peter Lawwell and the people who run the club financially.
“Celtic are through to the Europa League knockout stage against Zenit, which they will feel that they can possibly get through. That’s why I don’t think it is best for Dembele to go right now.
“If they can keep a clean sheet in the first leg at Celtic Park and get a positive result to take to Russia then they will be in with a shout.
“Zenit will start the game as favourites to advance in the tie over two legs but we also know the performances Celtic are capable of.”
Hartson, who bagged 109 goals in 201 games for Celtic, admits Dembele is certain to leave but feels the summer would be the best time for the club.
Hartson said: “Is an £18million fee enough or are Celtic holding out for more money? One thing is certain Dembele will leave.
“When you have such a fine asset that you paid £500,000 for and he is worth £20-plus million then the fans are resigned to the fact he will go at some stage.
“It is just a case of when and how Celtic put the whole deal together really. It is easier to do business in the summer although I was always transferred in the January!”
Hartson reckons Rodgers is already be preparing for Dembele’s exit as he looks to take Celtic into the knockout stages of the Champions League next season.
He said: “I think Celtic will win the league again and they will want to be stronger for next season’s Champions League.
“Brendan will also want to emulate what Gordon Strachan and Neil Lennon did in Europe.
“He’ll want to take Celtic into the knockout stages of the Champions League.”