Celtic have gained a repuration over the last decade of signing players for relatively small transfer fees and turning them into prized assets, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Moussa Dembele and Kristoffer Ajer all making a name for themselves at Parkhead.
The trio represent that shrewd recruitment policy the Hoops scouting department have in place, but the club have still hard to dish some serious money to attract a number of players from across the globe to Glasgow’s East End.
Not all of those big-money signings have proved success stories but a host of players signed by Celtic for significant fees have moved on to bigger and better things. While transfer fees across the world have increased hugely since the turn of the century, supporters can still afford to look back on the list of top-class players to have represented the Hoops.
Here, GlasgowWorld takes a look at 20 of Celtic’s most expensive signings and where they are now.
9. Rafael Scheidt - €7.2m
Season: 1999/2000 - Signed from Brazilian outfit Gremio under Kenny Dalglish, the international defender’s move turned out to be one of the most bizarre transfers in Celtic’s history. Failed to make any sort of impact after creating a buzz of excitement and was even rushed to hospitl with appendicitis on the eve of his debut before a serious knee injury in training left him sidelined. Never got to showcase his talent and is now a football agent. | Daily Record
10. Cameron Carter-Vickers - €7m
Season: 2022/23 - Signed from Tottenham Hotspur, the ever-reliable centre-half has become a real fan favourite due to his no-nonsense and simplistic approach to defending. Leads by example and is often foot-perfect at the heart of the backline. Seems to have really found his home at Parkhead. | Getty Images
11. Scott Brown - €6.6m
Season: 2007/08 - Signed from fellow Premiership rivals Hibernian, ‘Broony’ earned legendary status as an iconic captain and leader of the club for over 14 years and 600+ appearances. The tenacious midfielder never shirked a challenge and was often at the centre of controversy, particularly against Old Firm rivals Rangers. Now in his first managerial job with EFL League One side Fleetwood Town. | Getty Images
12. Joos Valgaeren - €5.7m
Season: 2000/01 - Signed from Roda JC, the Belgian defender was one of Martin O’Neill’s first signings but his arrival was somewhat overshadowed by other big name recruits. Proved his worth as a key player for the first couple of season and chipped in with a few goals too but injuries hampered his progress and left for free at the end of his contract in 2005, signing for Club Brugge. Retired in 2010 and lives a quiet life away from football. | Getty Images