Chris Sutton sends a transfer message to Celtic that he says they “can’t afford” to ignore

As the EURO 2024 tournament rumbles on and takes the Footballing world’s attention away from club sides, Celtic’s work continues ahead of the new season.

Brendan Rodgers has been holidaying in Mallorca but that won’t have stopped him being heavily involved in the recruitment process as the Bhoys look for fresh faces to improve the manager’s squad.

The transfer window is now officially open and there are real positions of need that require solid Business. Joe Hart has retired, interest remains fierce in Matt O’Riley, while the loan deals of Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah have expired.

For Chris Sutton, it’s imperative that Celtic move quickly to tie down their top targets.

While recognising there’s no reason to judge the club for a lack of deals at the moment, he doesn’t want a repeat of the sluggish 2023 window that was criticised by supporters and pundits.

Chris Sutton on Celtic’s summer transfer window

The former Bhoys striker said [Daily Record]: “There is time to get the recruitment up and running, but they also can’t afford to hang about. Rangers have already got the ball rolling with new signings checking in, but I don’t think Celtic should panic too much about what’s happening across the city.

“Rangers need a total rebuild, so there are going to be a lot of comings and goings at Ibrox. There is less work required at Celtic, but that doesn’t mean they can hang about. The lessons from last summer have to be learned. They can’t afford to go into the European campaign looking as undercooked as they did last season. Rodgers managed to turn around a season of transition into one of trophy triumph, but they don’t want to be making life difficult for themselves again.

“Ideally, Rodgers will have some of his big targets in the building for the start of pre-season, rather than waiting until the end of the window. I get that it’s not always so straightforward. You sometimes have to wait for the ones you want because they are in demand. But Celtic can’t muck about either and with money in the bank, supporters aren’t likely to be patient.”

Celtic deals won’t be too far away

Last season Celtic made their first signing of the summer on 22nd June, which is just a week away. Deals then followed on 30th June and July 24th before the season started. That was a far more hectic period, too, with Rodgers replacing Ange Postecoglou.

You’d imagine signings won’t be too far away now. The Euros may be holding up the market across the continent but that shouldn’t stop Celtic from confirming their top targets.

Getting a goalkeeper in the door is the undoubted priority. If Celtic can get him in early then it will give him a full pre-season to gel with his new defenders and build chemistry – that will be a key part of preparations.