Chris Sutton rejects Celtic transfer concern about Sead Haksabanovic
Celtic’s summer transfer business doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of stopping, as the Hoops appear to be getting closer to making yet another signing. Rumours from around Europe and in Scotland have suggested that the Scottish champions have agreed a deal to sign Sead Haksabanovic from Rubin Kazan.
It is believed that the transfer fee will be significantly lower than the figure around £6 million that Rubin Kazan shelled out last summer to sign him from IFK Norrkoping.
While some are delighted with the potential addition of Haksabanovic, others have questioned whether the club even need him or not.
The point of concern among some of the fans revolves around the number of wingers already at Parkhead. Jota, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda, James Forrest and Mikey Johnston all occupy the wings, and even Kyogo, if the situation calls for it. So, does it make sense for them to add another similar player?
Chris Sutton plays down Celtic transfer concern
Former Celtic star, Chris Sutton, seems to be of the view that signing Haksabanovic could be a positive for the Hoops. He wrote in his column for the Daily Record:
"Ange Postecoglou is clearly determined to keep driving Celtic forward. When it comes to having top players and excellent options, it’s my view that you just can’t have enough. Interest in Sead Haksabanovic has brought some interesting commentary in the past 48 hours as regards the situation within the Celtic squad.The Montenegro international is noted mainly as a left winger and perhaps the wide positions are an area where the squad is well stocked. If you consider that Jota, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest can all operate there, there are already options and choices.But, if you want two to start and two to come off the bench on any given day to freshen things up in games, that means Celtic are still in a position where one injury leaves them short and unable to do that. Postecoglou has already gone on record to say that Mikey Johnston is not going to get regular opportunities this term and he wants him out and playing on loan, so, realistically, they currently have four.Haksabanovic can play off the right hand side as well according to what I’ve heard and also in a central position. Right now, there is only really Matt O’Riley there for that area just behind the central striker after the departure of Tom Rogic and one man is not enough. Especially if the club is going to be playing another 50-odd games this season and the Danish Under-21 cap is going to have regular international commitments, potentially even a World Cup in Qatar with Kasper Hjulmand’s senior squad.Brendan Rodgers once moaned about having a million wingers and it’s true that stockpiling average guys isn’t a great scenario if some of them just aren’t good enough for the side. However, if Postecoglou is adding individuals of quality who can go straight into the side at the drop of a hat without the standards dropping, then the more the merrier, in my eyes."
Haksabanovic is not just a winger but he can play as an attacking midfielder as well. In fact, many believe that that is his best position. And also, that is what makes a potential move for the Montenegro international interesting.
Tom Rogic left the club at the end of last season, but the Hoops have not really brought in a like-for-like replacement for him this summer. While they have two good options in Matt O’Riley and David Turnbull, it would not be a bad idea to have some cover, considering the long season ahead.
Thus, it is Haksabanovic’s versatility, which could make him a great addition to this side, despite them having no real lack of options on the wings or in attacking midfield. Also, Sutton is right in that, you can never have too many quality players.