Chris Sutton names the Celtic turning point that led to Premiership title

By Lewis Laird

May 13, 2022

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has named last summer’s transfer deadline day as the turning point in Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic sides season.

The Hoops underwent a major rebuild last summer, with 12 new additions joining the club ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Most deals in the window were completed at different stages, with the likes of Joe Hart, Carl Starfelt and Kyogo Furuhashi arriving as the season kicked off.

However, Postecoglou made some late moves adding Jota, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Cameron Carter Vickers on the final day of the summer transfer window.

Writing in his weekly column for the Daily Record, Sutton believes adding that trio of signings to the Celtic squad was a turning point for this group that has gone on to win the Scottish Premiership title.

He said: “Celtic ended up losing that day (the first Glasgow derby of the season) – but it marked a turning point. Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie left within 48 hours, and Postecoglou defined the season by getting hold of Jota, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

“It couldn’t happen immediately. Four points were shipped to Livingston and Dundee United before September was over, but you could sense something was happening when Jota hit his late winner against Aberdeen at Pittodrie. Postecoglou’s team really started to fire from there. They built wins and momentum.”

Postecoglou’s recruitment this season is one of the main reasons for Celtic’s success this season.

The Celtic manager has got almost all of his signings spot on, with each player having their part to play in securing two trophies this campaign.

Not only was his summer recruitment a huge factor, but the January additions of Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda have all contributed massively in bringing the title back to Parkhead.

It bodes well for the future that Postecoglou’s recruitment was so good during such a pressurised time.

We can only imagine what he will be able to do with a more settled side and some time on his hands heading into this summer.

In other news, Christopher Jullien gives honest interview about his Celtic situation; considering future.