Chris Sutton continues to criticise Celtic’s transfer work this summer as he raises concerns about the strength of Brendan Rodgers’ squad.
Celtic have signed Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo and Paulo Bernardo but there are deficiencies in multiple positions throughout the team, from defence to attack.
Rodgers himself has admitted the squad isn’t as strong as he’d like, tasking the club to complete the business needed in the few short weeks of the remaining window.
While the manager projects a ‘relaxed’ stance, those outside the club are not being so kind or patient with the current situation.
Sutton says he is “baffled” by the club’s inability to get the Adam Idah deal done and has raised serious concerns with the defensive line, too.
Chris Sutton on the current Celtic state of play
He said in a newspaper column this weekend [Daily Record]: “When Celtic won the Scottish Cup Final through Adam Idah’s goal, Rodgers openly stated at Hampden straight after the game he wanted the Irishman’s services on a permanent agreement.
“Negotiations can be tricky, but I find it baffling that Celtic have completed their pre-season programme of fixtures with him not in the door. Same goes for Paulo Bernardo. He should have been in the side in the United States playing against DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea and getting up to speed with the team, instead of signing less than three days before the Premiership begins.
“Rodgers is talking about not snoozing and always staying ahead of the game and he is right. That’s what needs to happen and it needs to happen faster, if at all possible. Even though he was at the Euros with Scotland, Greg Taylor is back to graft still as the only recognised top-team left-back. This scenario has been running for way too long.
“I accept that Rodgers will have a main target for the position and, if it takes until the final day of the window to get him secured, then fine. It’s likely to be worth the wait for the fans. Nonetheless, I can’t help but feel some things could be moving quicker as there’s no time for slacking.”
Celtic’s left-back hunt
Celtic are looking for new defenders to compete with Taylor. It’s a noted priority of the window.
Wolves star Hugo Bueno was linked with a move while the most recent reporting indicates that the Bhoys have expressed an interest in Liverpool talent Owen Beck.
Both of these players were also pursued in the winter transfer window so Rodgers holds a long-term interest and getting one of them in the door would be a big step forward this summer.
Generally, Sutton is right. Despite the complexities of the transfer window, Celtic should be further along with their business than they are.
There’s still time to fix it but nobody wants to be looking at the squad after the deadline contemplating that it’s no stronger than last term or, worryingly, weaker.
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