Chris Sutton comments on Celtic transfer market movements | OneFootball

Chris Sutton believes Celtic still need to strengthen their squad this summer to be fully prepared for their vital Champions League play-off in August…

Brendan Rodgers talking to Sky Sports. Celtic Champions 2025. Dundee United v Celtic, 26 April 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star).

Brendan Rodgers’ side face a decisive two-leg showdown in late August that will determine their place in the group stage of Europe’s elite club competition. The Hoops have been in the Champions League for three consecutive seasons and will be aiming to be at Europe’s top table for a fourth straight campaign for the first time in the club’s history.

Sutton insists his former club must be equipped and not head into the crucial tie lacking key reinforcements.

Writing in his weekly column for Daily Record, Sutton said: “I’m not daft. I know how the market works. I’m fully aware that Celtic will have targets who, at this stage, might not be unavailable due to their own clubs not having made up their mind, or that agents are playing a waiting game and trying to smoke out the best deals, waiting to see if they can generate as much interest as possible for their client.”

Celtic’s new signing Benjamin Nygren at Celtic Park. Photo Celtic FC

“Unless Celtic are going to start paying silly money, I’d imagine they may have to wait, perhaps even until the end of the window, for some of the key targets. But it still feels a little lacking to me at this precise point of proceedings and, at the very least, Rodgers will surely want the majority in his squad for the start of the domestic season.”

Sutton added: “Rodgers doesn’t need me to tell him what it’s like to have to deal with these qualifiers without a full deck of cards. He’s been there.”

“Now returned, he’s back in that pressure pot and, at this stage, there looks like there’s plenty to be done. Kieran Tierney has signed, but who is the back up with Greg Taylor leaving? Nygren now in with Ross Doohan, yet the new striker that was wanted in January when Kyogo left will still be wanted. Other areas of the side to be addressed.”

Johnny Kenny celebrates. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Celtic do seem open to the idea of Johnny Kenny leaving, if the price is right. Bolton Wanderers offered £500k but reports this morning indicate that Celtic are looking for double that. The only positive spin you could take on that would be the decks are indeed being cleared for the Kyogo replacement we are promised in January.

Conor Spence

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