Chris Sutton has warned Celtic not to risk losing out on Lennon Miller, urging the club to meet Motherwell’s asking price before it’s too late.
The highly-rated midfielder has emerged as one of Scottish football’s brightest prospects after an impressive season at Fir Park and earning Scotland recognition.
The 18-year-old’s performances have attracted interest from both sides of the border, with newly-promoted Premier League side Sunderland reportedly keen to lure him south. But Sutton believes Celtic should not hesitate and risk a repeat of their failure to sign John McGinn in 2018 during Brendan Rodgers’ first spell in charge.
Celtic’s midfield is expected to be an area of focus this summer, with Brendan Rodgers keen to add energy and long-term quality to his squad. Miller’s talent, maturity, and potential have marked him out as a player who could thrive in Glasgow’s east end, but Sutton believes hesitating could prove costly.
The former Celtic striker pulled no punches as he laid out his views, pointing out past mistakes and urging the board to show ambition and decisiveness in the transfer market.
He said: (RecordSport), “The clock is ticking – and the fee is rising. It’s going to continue to rise by the week by the looks of it, and the longer it goes on, the more danger there is they will miss out.
“Fans will be fearing the ghost of John McGinn is hovering over the club again. If it costs £5m or £6m to land Miller – just go and do it.
“From what you hear from Miller, he’s a confident lad and he’d back himself to break into the side. Even if it didn’t work out, it’s hardly a disaster.
“Celtic have the money and they spent similar amounts on guys like Vasilis Barkas – and look how that went. I don’t see it as a similar risk. Even if it gets to £8m or £10m, that’s the kind of money found down the back of most EPL couches.
“Sunderland have been linked already but he shouldn’t be tempted by that one. They’ll go straight back down and would he rather be in the Champions League or the Championship?
“It’s a no brainer for me.“
Sutton’s comments come as Celtic prepare to strengthen their squad ahead of a crucial summer, with Champions League qualifiers looming in late August. Bringing in domestic talent with long-term potential remains a key part of the club’s transfer strategy as they look to balance immediate demands with future planning.
The reference to the failed pursuit of John McGinn is likely to strike a chord with many supporters. McGinn eventually joined Aston Villa after Celtic refused to meet Hibs’ valuation, and has gone on to become a standout performer in the English top flight and for Scotland.
Sunderland’s interest in Miller adds a competitive edge to the situation, but Sutton is adamant that the pull of Celtic Park, European football, and regular silverware should be enough to convince the player, provided the club step up with a bid.
With the transfer window open and business already being done across the league, Celtic’s next move will be closely watched. For Sutton, however, the decision is clear, pay the fee and secure one of the country’s top emerging talents before someone else does.
