Chris Sutton has voiced his concerns over Celtic’s lack of signings this summer as the club prepares for a Champions League play-off against either Slovan Bratislava or Kairat Almaty.
Nicolas Kühn’s departure has added to those worries, with Brendan Rodgers’ side yet to make a major addition to the squad. Celtic’s recruitment has been slow, and Sutton feels the club are leaving themselves short at a time when progress to the group stage is on the line.
Sutton pointed to recent history, suggesting Celtic have developed a habit of allowing players to leave before key European qualifiers. He believes keeping key contributors, even if unsettled, would help the side’s chances in the short term.
The ex-striker also questioned the reasoning behind allowing Kühn to leave before the qualifiers, arguing that even if the player wanted out, Celtic should have prioritised on-pitch needs until after the play-off.
He said: (Daily Record YouTube), “It’s clear, you know, it’s so clear Celtic need players in. And the sooner they get them in, it’s simple — give yourself the best possible chance. That’s what Brendan was getting at this week.
“We all know the market’s tough, but other clubs still find a way to get deals over the line. Maybe in a couple of weeks Celtic will have three world beaters in and we’ll all look like idiots.
“The Nicolas Kuhn thing — I wouldn’t be selling a player before you get through these qualifiers.
“Over the years at Celtic, it’s happened with Postecoglou and Giakoumakis, it’s happened with Kyogo, and now with Nicolas Kuhn. A player says they want to leave and that’s why you let them go. But these players signed contracts, and if they’re going to down tools and throw the toys out the pram, what’s the alternative for them?
“Kuhn was brilliant in the first half of last season. If he’d stayed, you’re giving yourself the best chance and the best quality. If he chucks it, he’s not going to get his move anyway — people will just question his attitude further down the line.
“I never like it when the club says, ‘the player wants to leave.’ Every player knows when they sign a contract what they’re signing up for. You go when the club’s ready, as much as anything.”
Celtic will face either the Slovakian or Kazakh champions later this month, with a lucrative Champions League, league phase place at stake. The tie represents a significant financial and sporting opportunity for the club, but Sutton fears a lack of decisive business could jeopardise their chances.
Rodgers has publicly stressed the need for new arrivals, but with the transfer window moving into its final month, progress remains slow. The longer Celtic wait, the greater the pressure on any incoming signings to make an immediate impact.
The Hoops have been here before, recent seasons have shown the dangers of under-preparing for early European fixtures. Failure to address squad needs promptly could once again leave the team vulnerable.
Supporters will be hoping the board acts swiftly, with Sutton’s comments serving as another reminder that standing still in the transfer market can prove costly at the highest level.
