“The squad is in a great shape but….” Chris Sutton HIGHLIGHTS Four Key Player Decisions Celtic Must Address

As the January transfer window approaches, Celtic are not only looking to strengthen their squad with new signings but also face crucial decisions regarding the future of some key players. Former professional footballer and pundit Chris Sutton has outlined four situations he believes require clarity in the coming months.

Brendan Rodgers is already identifying potential January targets, including Burnley’s Josh Brownhill, who could join on a pre-contract deal next summer, and Brøndby’s Mathias Kvistgaarden. However, Sutton has stressed that resolving internal contract and squad issues should be a priority for the club before focusing on external signings.

Sutton’s Key Player Priorities

Writing in his Daily Record column, Chris Sutton highlighted the situations of James Forrest, Greg Taylor, Alex Valle, and Luis Palma as pressing concerns that Celtic must address.

• James Forrest: The long-serving winger, who has been a pivotal figure for the Bhoys over the years, is nearing the end of his contract. At 34 years old next summer, Forrest’s future at the club is uncertain. While his contributions have been significant, Celtic must decide whether to extend his contract or prepare for his departure.
• Greg Taylor: The left-back’s contract is also nearing its expiration, and Celtic must act quickly as Taylor will be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with other clubs in January. Sutton has questioned whether Celtic will secure a new deal for Taylor or bring in a replacement during the transfer window.
• Alex Valle: Currently on loan until the end of the season, Valle’s long-term role at the club remains unclear. Celtic must decide whether to pursue a permanent deal for the player or let him return to his parent club. This decision will likely depend on his performances in the second half of the season.
• Luis Palma: The winger has struggled for game time this season, raising questions about his future at Celtic. If Palma fails to establish himself in the team by January, a departure during the transfer window could be on the cards.

Balancing Future Planning with Present Needs

Sutton acknowledged the strong shape of Celtic’s current squad but emphasized the importance of proactive planning. While January signings like Josh Brownhill and Mathias Kvistgaarden could add quality, Sutton believes clarity on in-house player situations is critical for long-term squad stability.

He stated:
“The Celtic squad is in strong shape, but there is always an opportunity to build and progress. You look at the situation at left-back with Greg Taylor heading out of contract and Alex Valle on loan until the end of the season. Do Brendan Rodgers and Tisdale step up and recruit a new one in the next window? Are there deals to be done with either – or both?

“You also look at the wide areas. James Forrest has been a superb servant, but his contract is running down, and he’s 34 years old in the summer. Then you have Luis Palma, who has really struggled to get into the side this season and could well move on.”

Timing of Decisions

Celtic’s management has some breathing room before making definitive decisions, but certain cases demand immediate attention. For instance, Taylor’s contract situation requires resolution before January to avoid losing him on a free transfer. Meanwhile, Valle’s future will likely be evaluated at the end of the season, giving the club more time to assess his value to the squad.

Forrest, as a seasoned player nearing the twilight of his career, may also have the luxury of time before any final decisions are made. On the other hand, Palma’s performances leading up to the New Year will be crucial in determining his fate, with a January exit remaining a possibility.

Celtic’s Strategic Approach

While contract decisions and squad restructuring are essential, Brendan Rodgers and his team are simultaneously working on potential signings to enhance Celtic’s competitiveness. Recent reports suggest that the club is targeting versatile players like Josh Brownhill, who could bring experience and depth to the midfield, and Mathias Kvistgaarden, a promising talent capable of bolstering the attacking options.

This dual focus—securing existing talent and acquiring new players—demonstrates Celtic’s commitment to maintaining a balance between continuity and progression.

Looking Ahead

As the January transfer window looms, Celtic face important choices that could shape the future of the squad. The decisions surrounding Forrest, Taylor, Valle, and Palma will not only impact the club’s immediate performance but also influence their long-term strategy. With Brendan Rodgers at the helm and Chris Sutton advocating for clarity, the Bhoys have an opportunity to strengthen their foundations while pursuing success on multiple fronts.

For now, the focus remains on performances and results, but the clock is ticking on these key decisions. How Celtic handle these situations will be a defining factor in their ability to compete at the highest level in the coming seasons.