Celtic are in a strong position to leave rivals Rangers in their dust for a long time, former striker Chris Sutton has stated on Saturday.
Celtic are fresh from a double-winning season under returning manager Brendan Rodgers – a man who has already racked up a nine-trophy total as Bhoys boss.
With strong resources, intent to improve in the transfer market and another season of UEFA Champions League cash bagged, Sutton feels like this is the perfect opportunity for Celtic to pull a serious distance away from the Ibrox club.
There have been no signings to speak of at the Bhoys yet but Celtic are expected to be making serious moves over the coming weeks and months.
Sutton senses the chance for Celtic to open up a ‘chasm’ on their rivals and deliver more success next season.
Celtic could ‘sail away’ from Rangers says Sutton
He said [Daily Record]: “Brendan Rodgers had a gulf between him and Rangers first time around. If Celtic get it right this summer having been pushed for a spell by the Ibrox club last season, he has a big chance to create another chasm. Stage two of Rodgers’ second spell is fully underway with the team returned for pre-season training and the manager in a far better place than 12 months ago.
“If Rodgers and Celtic make the right moves over the next couple of months, they have a real chance to both blow Rangers away and also make that elusive mark again when facing the continent’s elite. Let’s get it right, you should never look over the fence. What Rangers are doing isn’t Celtic’s concern. They have to mind their own business and they will. But, to those of us on the outside, it seems there’s a golden opportunity to hammer home an advantage over their biggest rivals.
“Winning that title last season has whacked another £40 million into the Parkhead coffers and, at the same time, kept it out of the Ibrox piggy bank. That has a serious effect on what the respective clubs can do in this transfer market and gives Celtic a huge chance to stride further ahead. Philippe Clement needs to rebuild his squad and he’s not being helped by the fact that his bosses don’t seem so clever when it comes to rebuilding parts of the stadium.
“If they make those right transfer moves, that cherished European impact could be realistic and, domestically, they can leave Rangers trailing way behind. Celtic joined their city foes on the overall trophy mark when beating them in the Scottish Cup Final last season and, having heard all the noise from Ibrox about getting title 55 during Steven Gerrard’s reign, Rodgers can lead his club to title No.55 in the season ahead. He has the opportunity to take Celtic beyond their great rivals in the overall silverware count. And also sail them far away into the distance.”
Celtic have a summer challenge ahead
Getting that transfer activity right won’t be an easy process. The market is competitive and Celtic will be in the mix for talent wanted by clubs all over Europe.
Rodgers has made it clear he only wants to add players to his squad that increase the overall quality of his options. Talents won’t be arriving just to make up the numbers.
Nonetheless, Celtic must be decisive in pursuing their targets. As pointed out by Sutton, they have the resources to ensure negotiations on seven-figure fees should go smoothly.
Quibbling over a few hundred thousand here and there isn’t the approach anyone wants to see this summer. Go and get the players the manager wants and set Celtic up for more domination.