Celtic’s preparations for the new season have sparked concerns among fans and analysts alike, particularly regarding the lack of signings. With Kieran Tierney’s recent return from Arsenal, marking the only new addition thus far, questions arise about the club’s depth and strategy as they look to defend their title. Scottish champions Celtic will open their season in a home match against St Mirren. They’ll meet their bitter rivals when they take on Rangers in the first Old Firm match on August 31, both matches live on Sky Sports.
Kieran Tierney’s return has been framed as a potential gamechanger for the club. He returned to Celtic, this time on a five-year contract. Most people would never argue he’s not in his prime, despite not playing much at Arsenal. To many — including Chris Sutton, the former Celtic player, now pundit — this made his return even more significant.
“I think Kieran Tierney coming back is massive. He’s gone back to Celtic, arguably sort of in his peak, albeit didn’t play enough football at Arsenal,” – Chris Sutton.
Sutton was worried about the depth of the squad, especially the left-back position. Greg Taylor is out of contract. Yet, he still has not made up his mind about his own future which leaves that critical gap in urgent need of attention. Sutton said finding a replacement for Taylor is a priority, even though he’s been one of the club’s best ever signings.
“Replacing him [Taylor] looks like to be a pretty big deal because he was an outstanding player for Celtic,” – Chris Sutton.
Celtic’s transfer activity this summer may include potential signings such as Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjaelland and Hayato Inamura, a centre-back from Albirex Niigata, who is keen on a move to Glasgow. While many of these opportunities will materialize, Sutton was still one of many who urged the club to move quickly in a competitive transfer market.
“I’d always like to see them strengthen early. Then you can bed players in,” – Chris Sutton.
Yet even as Ange Postecoglou’s side look to overcome a historic treble-winning campaign last year and make their own mark, expectations are immediately through the roof. The club must not only solidify their current roster but ensure they maintain key players like Cameron Carter-Vickers, whose retention Sutton described as crucial.
“Keeping hold of Cameron Carter-Vickers is a big deal for Celtic as well,” – Chris Sutton.
Sutton again stressed the need for a quality recruitment drive to be made, particularly with the challenge posed by Rangers’ improving fortunes. He feels Celtic would have been better off keeping Kyogo and would have been in a better position to win a treble this season.
“People will say, well, he went over to Rennes and didn’t do particularly well there. That wasn’t the point; he scored big goals. He decided big games,” – Chris Sutton.
As the season draws near, Celtic’s management is sensing the noose tightening. They need to improve their squad depth and be able to meet the demands of both domestic and European challenges.
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