In his latest column for the Daily Record, Chris Sutton has turned his focus to Celtic’s transfer market approach, with some pointed criticism directed at the board’s perceived reluctance to adapt.
The former Hoops striker, known for his candid opinions, acknowledges that Celtic can’t just splash out £15 million on a single player like some of their wealthier European counterparts. However, Sutton believes that the club’s financial caution shouldn’t prevent them from making key signings when necessary.
Sutton does give credit where it’s due, commending the Celtic board for their prudent financial management and the fact that the club operates profitably. But he feels that this fiscal discipline has its limits, especially when the team is in need of reinforcements that could make a significant difference on the pitch.
One example Sutton brings up is Adam Idah, suggesting that the board should be prepared to spend a bit more to secure a player who has shown he can deliver in crucial moments and who aligns with the manager’s vision. Sutton’s main frustration lies in what he sees as the board’s inflexibility when it comes to transfer targets, a trait that could ultimately cost the club in terms of on-field success.
Reflecting on last summer’s transfer activity, Sutton is particularly critical of the club’s strategy. He points out that while Celtic brought in several low-cost signings, none of them made a meaningful impact on the first team. According to Sutton, this scattergun approach resulted in about £10 million being wasted, funds that could have been better allocated to fewer, but more impactful, players.
Sutton does acknowledge the complexities of the current transfer market, noting that the players Brendan Rodgers wants might not be fully available due to various circumstances at their current clubs. However, he argues that this shouldn’t be an excuse for inaction. Instead, he urges the board to be more proactive and flexible, ensuring that the club doesn’t miss out on key targets.
He put it bluntly in his column: “I’m willing to accept that the ones Rodgers wants aren’t yet fully available due to circumstances at their clubs and the many moving parts involved in sealing deals. I’m quite sure fans don’t want another £10 million or so of their hard-earned cash wasted on players who don’t make a first-team impact, as happened all too obviously last summer.”
Sutton’s remarks echo the sentiments of many fans who are growing increasingly frustrated with the club’s cautious approach. As the new season unfolds, the spotlight will be on the Celtic board to see if they can strike the right balance between financial prudence and footballing ambition. History is not in the board’s favour.
