Chris Sutton has delivered a brutally honest verdict on Celtic’s summer transfer business, and it’s unlikely to be welcomed by supporters desperate to see new faces arrive before the new season.
With the Hoops yet to make a signing while their Scottish Premiership rivals continue strengthening, the former Celtic striker believes the club’s inactivity is becoming impossible to defend.
Sutton brands Celtic’s transfer approach “gobsmacking”
Writing in his latest column, Sutton questioned why Celtic remain the only Premiership club without a new arrival despite last season exposing clear weaknesses in the squad.
He said:
“It’s less than a month until the competitive action gets underway and, given what unfolded last season, it almost beggars belief that Celtic have not been more active to this point.”
The former striker admitted he was stunned by the lack of movement but insisted it wasn’t entirely surprising.
“It doesn’t shock me because, let’s be honest, it’s been happening for years and nothing seems to change.”
Celtic falling behind rivals
While Celtic have yet to complete a signing, several rivals have already been busy in the market.
Hearts, Aberdeen, Falkirk and Rangers have all strengthened their squads ahead of the new campaign, leaving many supporters wondering why Celtic have yet to act despite having Champions League qualifiers on the horizon.
Sutton believes the club cannot afford to wait much longer if they want to compete on multiple fronts next season.
Warning over key departures
The pundit also warned that Celtic could lose some of their biggest stars before the transfer window closes.
He highlighted players such as Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, Reo Hatate and Alistair Johnston as footballers who continue to attract interest from clubs across Europe.
On Maeda, Sutton suggested it now feels more like a question of when he leaves rather than if, adding that Celtic must be ready to replace any major departures immediately.
“Spend the money”
Sutton argued Celtic have the financial resources to refresh the squad and insisted the club should not be afraid to invest.
With significant funds available and the Champions League offering another huge financial incentive, he believes this is the perfect opportunity to strengthen rather than stand still.
Pressure building before the season begins
Time is beginning to run out for Celtic to complete their transfer business before competitive football returns.
Supporters are growing increasingly anxious, and Sutton’s comments reflect a frustration shared by many inside the fanbase.
The message from the former Celtic striker is clear: the club cannot afford another slow summer if they want to remain dominant domestically and compete in Europe.
