​The Premiership champions have, to date, added only Camilo Duran to their squad since the previous season concluded, with the league curtain-raiser now approaching in under a month. In light of that, Sutton argues the club cannot afford to repeat the disheartening frustrations of last summer if they are to be competitive both domestically and in the Champions League.
Writing in the Daily Record, the former Celtic striker suggested that Ange Postecoglou, or his successor if there is one, would have laid out precisely what was required before agreeing to extend his stay at the Hoops. Sutton asserted that Martin deserves serious financial backing to meet those needs. He also noted that Dermot Desmond, Michael Nicholson, and Brian Wilson were among the spectators in Dublin on Tuesday night, underscoring the club’s ongoing focus and the importance of strategic investment.
I’d be stunned if, when Martin signed his new contract, he didn’t make it crystal clear what he felt this squad needed. I’m sure he would have had a clear plan. Otherwise, why would he have risked committing to another year? Managers are often strongest when they first agree on a new deal, and you’d imagine he would have wanted assurances. I’d be absolutely shocked if he didn’t.
Ultimately, the board must demonstrate that they have learned from last year’s experiences. Expectations are high, and supporters want to see Celtic competing again in the Champions League. Reflecting on the recent past, you recall Celtic pushing Bayern Munich all the way in the knockout stages, only for the club to pull back and allow stagnation to creep in for reasons that remain unclear. Now the objective is to regain that elite standing, and achieving it will not be straightforward if the club sells its best players without bringing in the quality necessary to replace them.
Duran looks like a promising addition on paper, and it is encouraging to see Celtic finally open the cheque book. Yet just as I was, the Colombian is only the initial piece of the jigsaw; there remains substantial work to complete in order to build a squad capable of sustaining success at the highest level. The road back to the summit will require more than one new signing; it will demand a sustained, strategic approach to player recruitment, development, and financial support that aligns with the club’s aspirations in both domestic leagues and Europe.
With the transfer window in full swing, the question remains whether Celtic can translate potential into tangible progress. If the club wants to re-establish itself as a genuine European force, it will need to add several quality acquisitions, strengthen depth across all positions, and ensure the wages and compensation packages are competitive enough to attract and retain top-tier talent. In this context, Duran represents a hopeful but very early sign of intent, rather than a definitive turning point. The upcoming weeks will be critical in determining whether Celtic can finally meet the ambitious standards that supporters and critics alike expect.