Former Celtic striker and BT Sports pundit Chris Sutton believes that streamlining the squad is just as important as additions in the January window for Ange Postecoglou.
Sutton insisted that the Celtic boss has got off to a flyer so far, with his additions in the early stages of the winter window.
However, writing in his weekly column for the Daily Record, Sutton also thinks that a key focus for Postecoglou will be those exiting the club, naming Vasilias Barkas, Boli Bolingoli and Albian Ajeti as the ‘glaring’ players who must be moved on.
“The squad needs strengthened in terms of quality but also streamlined because it’s bloated.
“It’s a situation that needs addressing and the deadwood – players on big wages – need to be moved on.
“It’s better to cut your losses because there will be deals to be had and a little bit of money can be recouped.
“That’ll free up cash and wages to get Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota tied down on permanent deals. Celtic should be doing all they can to make both loans stars their own.
“It doesn’t take a genius to work out who needs to go – it’s glaring that for three players in particular their days are numbered.
“Vasilias Barkas, no matter how you look at it, has been money poorly spent. Albian Ajeti and Boli Bolingoli the same.
“I’ve been in the situation myself at Chelsea where you just feel things aren’t going to turn round. These players could go on to have decent careers elsewhere but it’s not going to happen at Celtic.
“Barkas is a young man who arrived with a big reputation but he’s not the goalkeeper Celtic expected and now he’s number three.
“Ajeti had a good season at Basel, went to West Ham but it’s just not happened for him here. He’s nicked the odd goal but his all-around play is not what Celtic require.
“He’s slipping further and further down the pecking order and needs a change of scenery for his own good just like Barkas.
“Bolingoli too. He’s another one who will be on a few quid. He’s only had opportunities when they are down to the bare bones and there’s nobody else. Move him on.”
It has been clear to see in the early stages of the January window, that moving players on will be a key focus for those involved at the club.
So far we have already seen the exits of the likes of Liam Shaw and Ewan Henderson, with several more also expected to come as it progresses in the coming weeks.
It will certainly be interesting to see which clubs might try to pick up some of the deadwood at the club. However, it does look to be something Celtic are putting a lot of focus into at this moment in time.
