Celtic Transfer Deadline Day: ‘Unacceptable update as three signings chased’
Celtic are looking to sign three more players to avoid an “unacceptable” end to the transfer window, Chris Sutton has said.
The Scottish champions saw Jota return to the club from Rennes earlier in the market, with the winger making an emotional goalscoring return against Motherwell on Sunday (2 February).
However, they have also sold Kyogo Furuhashi to the French side, while Luis Palma has been loaned out and Alex Valle has been recalled from his loan spell by Barcelona.
As a result, Sutton believes Celtic need a busy final few hours in the window on Monday night (3 February) to avoid ending the market with a weaker squad than they started.
Indeed, with the money his former club have won from reaching the knockout rounds of the Champions League, he believes they should have scope to invest as well.
Speaking about the Bhoys’ transfer business on Sky Sports News, the ex-striker said (4:44pm): “That (re-signing Jota) looks to be a really shrewd piece of business but Celtic still have work to do this window, and arguably they could finish this window weaker in terms of their squad depth than when they started.
“And that really wouldn’t been acceptable, I think, when you think of all the Champions League money which they’ve got this season.
“I suspect, well I know, Celtic will be making a move for a centre-forward and a left-back, and maybe another wide player. But they need to get bodies in tonight.”
Celtic must finish the window strongly to maintain standards
Right now Brendan Rodgers’ side find themselves in a strong position in the Scottish Premiership table, and are also set for a huge Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
Plenty of players should therefore see the chance to move to Celtic as an attractive proposition before the window closes.
They have also secured a big windfall from their Champions League progress, so should be able to put their money where their mouth it to get deals done as well.
With that in mind there is a good chance Rodgers will be disappointed if they do not get these deals over the line to fills the voids left by those who have departed.
If they do not start to make these signings to maintain the strength of the squad, there may be some concern that Rangers might start to close the gap on Celtic again.
Football Insider understands the Scottish champions are looking to make a late move for Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace, so events at Parkhead could be worth keeping an eye on before the deadline.
In other news, Celtic have been told how much they will earn if they beat Bayern Munich in the next round of the Champions League.
For more Celtic news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.