It is not often over the years that Celtic fans have found themselves glancing across the city and wondering if they maybe should have taken a leaf out of Rangers’ book.
But as Philippe Clement’s side add nine new faces to their squad – strengthening the starting XI with a couple of potential gamechangers in Vaclav Cerny and Robin Propper – Hoops icon Chris Sutton fears that the champions may have been caught on their heels.
Yes, Celtic were not quite in need of the same overarching rebuild that Old Firm rivals Rangers have presided over.
The green-clad Glasgow giants ended 2023/24 with yet another domestic double, after all.
But considering that the gap between Celtic and Rangers appears to have closed somewhat since Clement replaced the ailing Mick Beale at Ibrox, will Brendan Rodgers’ team be made to pay for an underwhelming summer window?
Chris Sutton critical of Celtic’s Adam Idah saga
Celtic kick off their latest title-defence at home to Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon.
And, so far, the only outfield addition to Rodgers’ squad is Paulo Bernardo. The midfielder who spent last season on loan from Benfica.
Whether Kasper Schmeichel proves to be an upgrade on the influential Joe Hart in goal, meanwhile, remains to be seen. The exciting Viljami Sinisalo, Celtic’s other new face, is likely to play a back up role behind the Dane initially.
Sutton feels that Schmeichel – excelling on his debut in that 4-3 win over Manchester City in pre-season – can be a ‘top class’ addition.
But concerns persist at the other end of the pitch. Following the sale of Oh Hyeon-Gyu to KRC Genk, Kyogo Furuhashi is the only centre-forward at Celtic’s disposal with the Hoops still yet to agree a deal that would see Norwich City hitman Adam Idah return north of the border.
“Negotiations can be tricky,” Sutton tells the Daily Record. “But I find it baffling that Celtic should have completed their pre-season programme of fixtures with (Idah) 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.
“I get that there’s not so much of a settling-in period needed for those boys because they know what Celtic is about having been there last season. But it still doesn’t sit comfortably.”
Hoops need a striker and a left-back this month
While Bernardo’s Glasgow homecoming was only sealed this week, Celtic go into the final month of the window yet to meet Norwich’s asking price.
HITC understands that a bid of £4 million was knocked back at the start of July and little has changed over the last four weeks. The Championship outfit appear to want closer to £8 million.
Celtic also look worryingly short at left-back, Greg Taylor the only first-team option. Speculation regarding the likes of Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley – Atalanta have had at least one offer rejected – means there is an air of vulnerability hanging over Parkhead.
“Rodgers is talking 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 recognised top-team left-back. This scenario has been running for way too long.”
HITC understands that, with a deal for Idah hanging in the balance, Celtic have lodged an enquiry for Hearts talisman Lawrence Shankland.
Out of contract next summer, Shankland should come cheaper than the Canaries poacher. He picked up both the Golden Boot and the Premiership’s Player of the Year award in May.
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