Celtic need game changer transfer and fast because right now they are WEAKER than last season - Chris Sutton

The new league season is three weeks away and there are seven weeks left in the transfer window. But I can’t help but feel Celtic need to get a shift on and starting making serious signings now.

There’s no real need for Brendan Rodgers to panic and I have no doubt there will be plenty of work going on in the background, even if it does seem quiet. However there is no escaping the fact that as things stand, Celtic are weaker than they were at the end of last season.

Losing Jota is the big one. We know the reasons and the money that came in, but there’s no denying he will be a huge loss – and he’ll be extremely difficult to replace. Former manager Ange Postecoglou was a major fan of wingers but Jota brought something a bit different. He had a wide ranging skill set but the main thing with him was the fact he was a game changer.

Jota was a player for the big occasion and if you look back at the last two seasons, in the major moments, he was front and centre. He was the difference in games against Rangers, cup semi-finals and finals.

It’s not easy to find that kind of player. One that can come in straight away and be such a massive influence. It will be nigh impossible to get a like for like replacement – but that’s the challenge for Rodgers.

It’s a good start getting key men tied down for the long term. It was smart business getting Kyogo and Daizen Maeda on extensions as it just gives an extra layer of insurance in case there are other clubs interested.

It’s also a reward for their performances. The same goes for Callum McGregor.

The captain is such an important influence at the club, it makes sense to make sure he’s happy. There also could be a need to raise some of the wages for the big players, because others will