Chris Sutton insists Celtic must resist cashing in on Reo Hatate this summer if they are to make a splash in the Champions League.
The midfield ace is attracting attention from clubs in England and abroad after a stunning season with Celts. Hatate is arguably the Parkhead side’s top asset at present and would command a massive fee to persuade club chiefs to sell. But Hoops hero Sutton insisted Ange Postecoglou will need Hatate on board if they are to have any hope of making an impact in Europe next season.
Sutton – speaking on the Record Celtic Podcast – said: “It will be interesting in the summer with Ange Postecoglou talking about the prospect of some of the bigger players being sold and others coming in. It’s been pretty seamless so far in terms of players coming in but at some point you might hit the buffers. It’s about what happens next. For me, it’s about the Champions League and whether Celtic can compete.
“First of all they need to hold on to the manager, which is really one to watch as he’ll be sought after and courted. You want Ange Postecoglou to stay and he’ll be even more determined to make his mark in Europe. It will be interesting in terms of who comes and goes.
“I think Reo Hatate is irreplaceable, in the way Celtic play. They won’t have the to get players up to speed as the Champions League still comes around pretty quickly.
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“There are certain players who Celtic just can’t do without and they really need to hang on to if they are to match the ambition of the supporters, and that’s to give themselves the best possible chance of competing in the Champions League. Even with the players they have it will be difficult, but they have to give themselves the best chance.
“I know it’s the model, there is a responsibility to pick and choose when the time is right to sell. But we saw how difficult Europe was last season and we’ve seen the development and progression in these players. Celtic will need to hold on to their big guns and have them ready to be firing to have the best possible chance."
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