“Celtic do not have the strength that they had in previous seasons,” Chris Sutton | OneFootball

Chris Sutton has suggested Celtic’s business during the January transfer window could prove decisive in the title race, and NOT in a positive way…

Martin O’Neill in the Celtic dugout for his 1000th match as a manager. Celtic v VFB Stuttgart at Celtic Park during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic FC and VfB Stuttgart at Celtic Park on February 19, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

The former Hoops striker argued that the club’s approach in what he described as a January transfer window “arms race” may ultimately work against Martin O’Neill’s side this season.

19.02.2026 Celtic v Stuttgart, UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Off 1st leg.Back row (L-R) Benjamin Nygren, Tomas Cvancara, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Paulo Bernardo, Kasper Schmeichel. Front row (L-R) Sebastian Tounekti, Julian Araujo, Daizen Maeda, Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

During the winter window, Celtic brought in five loanees – Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu, Benjamin Arthur and Joel Mvuka – while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also arrived on a free transfer shortly after the deadline had passed.

Chris Sutton . Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 14 May 2025. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Speaking via Sky Sports on the coming weeks and months ahead for Celtic, Sutton said: “Celtic do not have the strength that they had in previous seasons. They have to up their game if they want to win the title. Celtic has a tough run with a European game tomorrow.”

“Auston Trusty is suspended for the trip to Ibrox, and the form of Kasper Schmeichel is being questioned. It is quite a tricky one for Martin O’Neill to handle. I would prefer it if Martin made changes in the game against Stuttgart and went with a second string to rest the players before Sunday.”

Sutton added: “Martin thinks the tie against Stuttgart is retrievable; I do not. I would prioritise the game on Sunday. Sunday is epic, but the nature of the Scottish League this season means I do not think it is a defining game.”

“I thought it would be about the January arms race to see who would get the better of that, and Celtic are at the bottom of it. Their recruitment has not been on point by any stretch of the imagination.”

VfB Stuttgart team photo at Celtic Park ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic FC and VfB Stuttgart at Celtic Park on February 19, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Celtic face VfB Stuttgart this evening, with O’Neill’s men confronting a monumental challenge after last week’s 4-1 loss to Sebastian Hoeness’ side in the first leg.

After their European assignment, the Scottish champions will turn their attention to domestic matters with a visit to Ibrox, before heading to Pittodrie in midweek to play their rearranged fixture against Aberdeen.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order

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