Celtic are in a strong position to leave Rangers in the dust for a long time, according to former striker Chris Sutton on Saturday.
Celtic are coming off a double-winning season under returning manager Brendan Rodgers, who has now won nine trophies as Bhoys boss.
With significant finances, a resolve to progress in the transfer market, and another season of UEFA Champions League riches, Sutton believes this is the ideal opportunity for Celtic to distinguish themselves from the Ibrox club.
There have been no notable acquisitions at Celtic so far, but the club is anticipated to make significant additions in the coming weeks and months.
Sutton sees an opportunity for Celtic to create a ‘chasm’ between themselves and their competitors and achieve even greater success next season.
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.”
Getting that transfer activity perfect will not be a simple task. The market is competitive, and Celtic will be in the running for talent sought by clubs throughout Europe.
Rodgers has made it plain that he only wants to recruit individuals to his squad who will improve the overall quality of his roster. Talents will not arrive solely to fill a quota.
Nonetheless, Celtic must be determined in achieving their goals. As Sutton pointed out, they have the means to ensure that discussions for seven-figure sums go smoothly.
Disputes over a few hundred thousand here and there are not the approach anyone wants to see this summer. Go get the guys the manager wants and position Celtic up for continued dominance.
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