Rodgers defends fee to bring Adam Idah back to Celtic

Idah has been the subject of constant speculation throughout the summer, but that was ended this week when the clubs agreed a deal worth up to £9.5m that saw the Irish international return to the Scottish champions after a successful loan spell last season. 

Norwich held out to get their valuation of the 23-year-old forward and there has been much debate about the fee from all ends of the deal. 

Rodgers, however, feels time will view it kindly and expects Celtic to double their money in quick order given Idah's ability and mentality. 

"You can never win, can you? You don’t spend money, you do spend money or you spend too much money.

"We’ve got a great deal, and I know the player that we have here. It’s just the case of getting him moving in the direction that I believe he can get to," Rodgers told reporters at his press conference via Celtic TV

"He has all the talent, 6 foot 3, quick and strong, his touch is good and he can score goals. Like I said, he has big moments in big games. For me, there are still areas where he can improve, of course, but you expect that as a young player.

"I do think whatever money we paid for him, he’s worth every single penny of it. He’ll be worth a lot more than that in 24 months' time."

Idah's return adds another desperately needed striking option to Celtic's stable, and Rodgers was full of praise for the board for backing him in bringing the Irishman in from Norwich. 

"I’m absolutely delighted," he said. "People talk about transfer fees and everything else - this is a guy who paid that last year. I’m delighted for him because I think that he’s got huge potential and he showed that last season.

Idah played his final game for Norwich City against Oxford United last week. (Image: PA)

"I was so relaxed when he signed because I knew what his talent was. What you never know sometimes in recruitment is mentality. I think what I have seen in my time here is that he proved to me that he has that big-club mentality.

"I wanted to do everything that I could - and I thank the board for reaching out and getting Adam here - because I think that over the next two to three years he can really flourish and show all of the quality that he has.

"He’s in an environment where he will improve, he’s shown he can deal with pressure in big moments and I’m really excited for him and for the supporters and team. We’ve got someone back who can help us going forward."