It is not often that Celtic fans find themselves looking across the city and wondering if they should have taken a page out of Rangers’ book. However, as Philippe Clement’s side brings in nine new players, including potential game-changers Vaclav Cerny and Robin Propper, Hoops icon Chris Sutton worries that the champions might have been caught off guard.
While Celtic didn’t require the extensive rebuild that their Old Firm rivals did, they ended the 2023/24 season with yet another domestic double. However, with the gap between Celtic and Rangers seemingly narrowing since Clement replaced Mick Beale at Ibrox, there are concerns that Brendan Rodgers’ team may suffer from an underwhelming summer transfer window.
Chris Sutton Critical of Celtic’s Adam Idah Saga
Celtic begins their latest title defense at home against Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon. So far, Paulo Bernardo is the only outfield addition to Rodgers’ squad, having spent last season on loan from Benfica. Whether Kasper Schmeichel proves to be an upgrade over the influential Joe Hart remains to be seen, while Viljami Sinisalo is expected to play a backup role behind Schmeichel.
Sutton believes that Schmeichel, who excelled in his debut in a 4-3 win over Manchester City in pre-season, could be a top-class addition. However, concerns remain about the attack. Following the sale of Oh Hyeon-Gyu to KRC Genk, Kyogo Furuhashi is the only center-forward available to Celtic. They have yet to finalize a deal for Norwich City striker Adam Idah.
“Negotiations can be tricky,” Sutton tells the Daily Record. “But I find it baffling that Celtic should have completed their pre-season program without having Idah in the door. The 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.”
### Hoops Need a Striker and a Left-Back This Month
While Bernardo’s return to Glasgow was only finalized this week, Celtic has yet to meet Norwich’s asking price for Idah. HITC reports that a £4 million bid was rejected in early July, and Norwich appears to want closer to £8 million.
Celtic is also short at left-back, with Greg Taylor as the only first-team option. Speculation surrounding players like Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley adds to the sense of vulnerability at Parkhead.
“Rodgers talks about not snoozing and always staying ahead of the game,” Sutton adds. “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 recognized top-team left-back. This scenario has been running for way too long.”
HITC reports that with the Idah deal hanging in the balance, Celtic has inquired about Hearts talisman Lawrence Shankland. Out of contract next summer, Shankland should be cheaper than the Norwich striker. He won both the Golden Boot and the Premiership’s Player of the Year award in May.
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