Nick Hammond has been a vital cog in the wheel of Celtic this season.
Not appointed as their head of football operations until October 2019, he still played a massive hand in their impressive transfer dealings throughout the summer.
He was one of the men who was key in securing the loan addition of Fraser Forster, while the 52-year-old also brought £7m Christopher Jullien to the club.
With Filip Benkovic heading back to Leicester that defensive signing was vitally important if Celtic were to go and win yet another domestic title.
In total, 14 players arrived at Celtic Park last summer as Hammond took little time to settle into his work.
He has a wealth of experience, acting as Reading’s Director of Football from 2003 onwards before joining West Brom as their technical director. However, as far as backroom roles go, this is his first big gig.
So far he’s done little wrong but he could be on the verge of making his first mistake – selling Callum McGregor.
Celtic’s star men have never been far away from national newspaper reports. Whether it was Moussa Dembele joining Lyon or star man Odsonne Edouard being lined up with a switch elsewhere, it’s been difficult to keep hold of their prized assets.
Besides Kieran Tierney’s exit – one they have recovered from – the Hoops are yet to really witness any big-name departures since Hammond walked in. It’s a testament not only to the club but also to their head of football who has kept a tight lid on things.
This summer will present its own challenges. Edouard has been linked with Everton (Sportsound, via The Scottish Sun), as has McGregor. Though, there is greater interest from Leicester and Brendan Rodgers who are eyeing up a £25m swoop for the midfielder. Coincidentally, that’s the same fee Tierney joined Arsenal for in what was a record-breaking deal.
Potentially departing in a similar type of transfer, selling McGregor would be a grave mistake. The stats alone tell you how big an influence the attacking midfielder has on Neil Lennon’s side.
In 2019/20, he’s netted 11 goals and also registered ten assists for his teammates. Meanwhile, he’s played more minutes than any other player in the famous green and white this term – 4,116.
Only real Celtic fans will get 100% on the Ultimate Hoops quiz. Test your knowledge below…
On top of that, of players to feature in more than 20 matches, he’s registered the joint fourth-best points per game ratio – a number that stands at 2.63.
Celtic may have a similarly creative threat in Ryan Christie, someone has 18 goals and 16 assists, but McGregor is one of the players who acts as the glue in this side. The fact he plays so regularly demonstrates that.
£25m is a large fee but replacing him would be an enormous task. Hammond cannot afford to accept any advances over the summer.
Meanwhile, Celtic could ENDANGER Frimpong by signing one summer target…
