Chris Sutton tells Celtic decision-makers how many new signings are needed before Champions League play-off

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For Celtic fans, this is a rather quiet period of the summer.

The 2024/25 season isn’t long finished while recruitment for the next campaign and beyond is yet to really kick into gear.

But the Hoops hierarchy should be busy in the background identifying potential targets and organising discussions with clubs and player representatives.

After all, there’s less than two months until the draw for the Champions League play-off round which Celtic will be competing in for a place in the lucrative league phase.

And that’s why Celtic legend Chris Sutton has issued a reminder to the club’s decision-makers that getting business done early and efficiently is key.

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Sutton’s message about Celtic’s summer recruitment

Sutton was writing for his weekly Daily Record column and initially blasted Rangers fans for immediately writing off new boss Russell Martin.

But he doesn’t think Celtic will be too bothered by what is happening at Ibrox at the moment, and says the champions must focus on what they need to do.

And he has told the Celtic hierarchy to deliver two or three new signings well before the Champions League play-off round arrives in August.

Sutton said: “Martin could be a good appointment but, at the same time, I doubt Celtic will be too concerned.

“They need to take care of their own business – and they have to assume Rangers WILL be much improved next season.

“It’s a quiet part of the summer right now but time is ticking and Celtic will need to get into gear.

“In an ideal world you’d have two or three new faces reporting for the first day of pre-season, giving them time to bed in ahead of the new campaign and the crucial Champions League qualifiers.

“The transfer market doesn’t always work that way but they will need to move quickly to bring in at the very least three new players.

“Celtic can’t afford to sit on their hands and they have to see there’s a chance to put the foot down early while Rangers get used to the new coaching team and regime.

“Rodgers will be determined to pile on the pressure – and that’s why Martin doesn’t need it also coming from his own supporters.”

Rodgers knows what Celtic squad needs

It was a disappointing end to the 2024/25 season for the Hoops having lost the Scottish Cup final to Aberdeen on penalties at Hampden.

And it’s clear even before the end of the campaign that Rodgers knew exactly what his team needs to be even stronger next year.

Of course, Sutton will understand that a Rodgers and Paul Tisdale shortlist will have been drawn up with potential targets – but his point is on acting quickly to try and sign them.

Rodgers said after the cup final loss: “I’ve got a really good idea of what we need.

“We know what it is we need to improve, and we’ll look to do that into the summer and renew the motivation and be ready to fight for all the trophies again next season.”