Chris Sutton claims that Celtic’s failure to acquire an £8 million star this summer is “baffling.”

Over the years, Celtic supporters haven’t frequently found themselves staring across the city and considering whether or not they ought to have learned from Rangers.

But Hoops legend Chris Sutton worries that the defending champions could have been caught off guard as Philippe Clement’s team adds nine new players to its roster, bolstering the starting lineup with two possible game changers in Vaclav Cerny and Robin Propper.

Yes, Celtic did not require the same comprehensive overhaul that Rangers, their Old Firm rivals, did.

After all, the green-clad Glasgow giants achieved yet another domestic double at the close of 2023–2024.

However, would Brendan Rodgers’ squad be forced to make up for a lackluster summer transfer window given that the distance between Celtic and Rangers seems to have narrowed significantly since Clement took over for the injured Mick Beale at Ibrox?

Chris Sutton criticizes the Adam Idah controversy at Celtic.

On Sunday afternoon, Celtic will begin their most recent championship defense against Kilmarnock at home.

Paulo Bernardo is the lone outfield acquisition Rodgers has made thus far. the midfielder who was on loan from Benfica during the previous campaign.

In goal, it has to be seen if Kasper Schmeichel proves to be a better choice than the influential Joe Hart.The second new face for Celtic, the dynamic Viljami Sinisalo, is probably going to start out as the Dane’s backup.

Schmeichel, who impressed on his preseason start in the 4-3 victory over Manchester City, may be a “top class” acquisition, according to Sutton.

On the opposite side of the pitch, though, worries continue. Oh Hyeon-Gyu was sold to KRC Genk, leaving Celtic with only Kyogo Furuhashi as a center forward. The Hornets have not yet reached an agreement to bring Norwich City striker Adam Idah back north of the border.

“It can be difficult to negotiate,” Sutton says to the Daily Record. However, I find it puzzling that Celtic should have finished their preseason schedule of games without (Idah) being able to enter.

Likewise with Paulo Bernardo. Instead of joining less than three days before the Premiership began, he ought to have been a member of the squad in the United States, competing against Chelsea, Manchester City, and DC United, and becoming settled in with the group.

“I understand that those lads don’t really require a transition time because they were at Celtic the previous season and know what it’s about. However, it is still uncomfortable to sit in.

This month, Hoops need a left-back and a striker.

Although Bernardo’s return to Glasgow was just confirmed this week, Celtic has not yet agreed to Norwich’s asking fee as the transfer window closes.

HITC is aware that a £4 million proposal was rejected at the beginning of July, and nothing has changed in the following four weeks. It seems that the Championship team is closer to wanting £8 million.

The only first-team option available to Celtic at left-back is Greg Taylor, which is concerning. There is a sense of fragility over Parkhead due to rumors about players like Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley, who have had at least one offer rejected by Atlanta.

Sutton continues, “Rodgers is talking about staying ahead of the game and not snoozing.” He’s correct, too. That is what must occur, and if at all feasible, it must occur more quickly.

“Greg Taylor is still going hard as the sole acknowledged starting left-back for the national squad, despite his time at the Euros with Scotland. The duration of this situation is just too long.

HITC has learned that Celtic has made an inquiry for Hearts talisman Lawrence Shankland, with a deal for Idah potentially in jeopardy.

Next summer, Shankland will be out of contract and should cost less than the poacher from the Canaries. In May, he received the Premiership Player of the Year title in addition to the Golden Boot.

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