Chris Sutton has backed Celtic’s decision to cash in on Nicolas Kuhn but insists Brendan Rodgers must ensure the winger’s departure doesn’t derail the club’s Champions League ambitions.
The former Hoops striker, writing in his Daily Record column, admitted he was surprised by the reported £17 million fee Celtic have secured for Kuhn. Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the deal.
However, Sutton stressed that the timing of the deal carries significant risk given the crucial European qualifiers on the horizon.
He wrote: “Nicolas Kuhn out of the door for a fortune. That looks like an outstanding piece of financial business again by Celtic. Hands up, I didn’t think Celtic would get such an impressive fee for the winger.
“But, whatever the reasoning, I’d say the German leaving at this precise moment represents a risk and it’s now down to Celtic to disprove that notion.
“If Kuhn’s exit doesn’t damage the route back to the section-phase of the elite tournament (Champions League), fine, then I’ll start dishing out the plaudits.
“On the face of it, based on the figures, it’s another wonderful example of the Celtic transfer model working a dream.
“However, the profit is a drop in the ocean to the riches available at Europe’s highest level and, if this move backfires, the club will cop it.
“I have to say, I cannot believe for a solitary second that Brendan Rodgers isn’t convinced he’ll be replaced properly and in timely fashion.
“The Celtic manager couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for getting back into the top-level of Europe last season and making progress and the motivation of potentially taking that further.
“Rodgers won’t be allowing that quest to be damaged, so you’d have to think succession plans are in place.”
It’s probably quite a good time for Celtic to allow Kuhn to leave. They have just under a month until the season starts, a new player can get bedded into the team during pre-season and get up to speed before the Champions League qualifiers.
Last year, Matt O’Riley left quite late in the window, and Celtic’s business then followed. If the same pattern were to happen this season – a big exit followed by incomings like an £11m Engels – the club should, in theory, have their business done before the season starts.
It’s a good profit to turn on Kuhn, who cost £3m just 18 months ago. He had a good season this year, and his value would probably be at its peak this summer. It’s also a great move for the player, getting to play for one of the most exciting projects in Europe under Cesc Fabregas.
