Chris Sutton has drawn a striking parallel between Celtic's transfer strategy and Thomas Tuchel's approach with England at the World Cup, accusing the club of being negative, reactive, and failing to seize the initiative. Writing in his latest column, Sutton argues that Celtic's cautious dealings in the transfer market mirror the tactical shortcomings that saw England exit the tournament at the hands of Argentina.
Celtic's Reactive Transfer Policy Under Fire
Sutton contends that Celtic have adopted a safety-first approach for some time, which he describes as understandable given the financial pitfalls that befell Rangers, but insists there must be a balance. He notes that while Celtic are a well-run club with a healthy bank balance and domestic dominance for over a decade, their European performances have suffered. The club's failure to act proactively in the transfer window is frustrating fans, especially with the Premiership and Champions League qualifiers looming.
“It’s a question they are asking – are Celtic the Tuchel of transfers?” Sutton writes, referencing England's negative and reactive style under Tuchel. He points to the botched bid to re-sign Kelechi Iheanacho as a prime example. The player was keen to return, and manager Martin O’Neill was hopeful, but Celtic allowed his extension option to expire, enabling Bursaspor to snap him up. “Iheanacho will be happier to get a longer term deal but it’s embarrassing for Celtic,” Sutton adds.
Dithering Over Deals and Key Departures
The same pattern is repeating with Marcelo Saracchi, a deal that should have been straightforward. Sutton criticises the club for taking a month to sort out the management position and assistants, and for moving too slowly on transfers. He warns that Celtic are waiting to see who leaves before deciding on replacements, a reactive approach that could cost them. “They got away with one last season to win the Double. They had to be on the front foot this summer,” he states.
Key players like Maeda, Arne Engels, and Reo Hatate are likely to leave, according to O’Neill, and the uncertainty over Callum McGregor’s future adds to the pressure. Sutton questions whether Celtic are prepared for such blows, given their hesitancy in the market.
Excuses and Comparisons with Other Clubs
Chief executive Michael Nicholson has cited difficulties dealing with agents and competing with the English market, where fees like Elliot Anderson’s £115m move are common. Sutton acknowledges the challenge but argues it is no excuse. “All clubs have to deal with agents. Clubs in Europe are competing with English sides and they are fighting it out with each other. Other outfits seem to manage it,” he writes.
Sutton emphasises the need for a scouting network that can uncover rough gems and for bringing in replacements before key men depart, rather than being caught out as they were with Kyogo and Nicolas Kuhn. He insists Celtic remain an attractive proposition, offering title challenges, Champions League football, and a springboard to bigger moves. “It shouldn’t be a hard sell. I get it’s important to get value for money but too often it’s a strategy that’s backfired on Celtic,” he concludes.
A Warning for the Season Ahead
While pre-season results should not be over-interpreted, Sutton warns that the squad still lacks depth in key areas. The club’s dithering, he says, is driving fans around the bend and risks undermining the season. “It’s just like England sitting back and inviting pressure against Messi and co. Eventually it’s going to kill you,” he says, drawing the comparison full circle.
