Thomas Tuchel had a few things to say regarding Marc Guéhi transfer collapse (Credits: Imago Images)
Celtic’s slow and cautious approach to transfer business this summer is drawing sharp criticism from former striker and pundit Chris Sutton.
Sutton draws a direct comparison between Celtic’s transfer strategy and Thomas Tuchel’s reactive and negative approach with England at the World Cup.
England’s World Cup campaign ended abruptly, with Tuchel criticised for failing to take advantage of moments of strength and being too passive.
Sutton argues Celtic supporters have experienced that same frustrating feeling for some time now, and it is growing stronger as the new season approaches.
“Are Celtic the Tuchel of transfers?” Sutton asks, pointing to what he describes as a persistent safety-first mentality at Parkhead.
No one disputes that Celtic are a well-run club with a healthy bank balance, domestic dominance spanning over a decade, and a cabinet full of silverware.
But Sutton insists there has to be a balance, and the current approach is failing supporters who want to see proactive recruitment before the season begins.
New signing Camilo Duran, signed for figures up to £6m, was welcomed as a positive move, and he opened his account with a goal against Sporting Lisbon in pre-season.
Sutton acknowledged the goal will do Duran’s confidence the world of good and shows he can press defenders, while cautioning against making comparisons to Maeda just yet.
However, the broader squad picture remains concerning, with Martin O’Neill admitting players like Maeda, Arne Engels, and Reo Hatate will all probably leave the club.
The Callum McGregor situation also refuses to go away, and Sutton says if he departs, it would represent a devastating blow to O’Neill’s plans.
The botched attempt to re-sign Kelechi Iheanacho encapsulates the problem, with Celtic allowing an extension option to expire before Bursaspor moved in to sign him.
O’Neill had publicly said he was keen to bring Iheanacho back and was hopeful it would be sorted, making the outcome all the more embarrassing for the club.
A similar delay is ongoing with Marcelo Saracchi, and Sutton notes these were deals that should have been straightforward to complete well before now.
Chief executive Michael Nicholson recently told Irish supporters groups that competing with the English market and dealing with agents is increasingly difficult.
Sutton has some sympathy with that view, pointing to Elliot Anderson moving for more than £115m as evidence of the wild wages available in England.
Even loan defender Julian Araujo was reportedly on wages probably double what Celtic are prepared to offer, illustrating just how difficult the market has become.
But Sutton is firm that this is no excuse, noting that clubs across Europe face the same challenges and still manage to complete their business efficiently.
Celtic remain an attractive destination, offering title challenges every season, Champions League football, and a proven track record of launching players into bigger moves.
Sutton warns that the longer Celtic wait, the more panic sets in, and they inevitably end up paying over the odds for players they could have signed earlier.
“It’s just like England sitting back and inviting pressure against Messi and co,” Sutton writes, adding a stark warning that eventually, that approach is going to kill you.
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