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.
17. Vasilis Barkas - €5m
Season: 2020/21 - Signed from AEK Athens, the Greek goalkeeper proved to be a major flop and will not look back on his time in Glasgow with fond memories. Guilty of making a number of high-profile mistakes and failed to convince as the club’s first-choice stopper. Loaned out to FC Utrecht last summer and rebuild his confidence in Holland. Now searching for a new club after having his contract torn up. Photo: Claus Fisker - SNS Group
18. Olivier Ntcham - €5m
Season: 2017/18 - Signed from Manchester City where he was part of the club’s Under-23s set-up following a loan spell with Genoa in Italy, the powerful midfielder was a top signing and could control games almost on his own. Starred in the 5-0 demoltion of Rangers at Parkhead in April 2018 and displayed excellent technique. Things haven’t quite gone to plan for him since leaving Parkhead for Swansea City. Could be on the move this summer. | Getty Images
19. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink - €4.9m
Season: 2006/07 - Signed from PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch striker scored for the Hoops against Manchester United in the Champions League and netted 18 goals in his debut season. Always capable of finding the back of the net and certainly made his mark. Left for Hull City in September 2009 before retiring in 2012. Currently a scout for PSV. | Getty Images
20. Alan Stubbs - €4.7m
Season: 1996/97 - Signed controversially from Bolton Wanderers during which the player and the club were fined £69,000 in total for the use of unlicensed agents during the transfer. A regular started but did little to justify his expensive transfer fee during his first season. Best remembered for his stoppage time goal in the 1-1 derby draw against Rangers in November 1997. Returned to England before starting out on a managerial career with Everton, Hibs, Rotherham and St Mirren. | Getty Images