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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Blair Meikle

Chris Sutton names two Celtic stars who could head for summer transfer exit

Chris Sutton says Celtic must do all they can to keep Daizen Maeda this summer - but feels two of his teammates may have come to the end.

Maeda has been a massive contributor to the champions' season as they retained the Scottish Premiership title and remain on course for the Treble, scoring 33 goals in all competitions and easing fears over the exit of Kyogo last summer.

Named on the nominees last for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award, the Japan international would be many people's favourite to take home the gong as well as the Scottish Football Writers' equivalent.

But his form may also have him on the radar of other clubs, especially with his performance level remaining high in the Champions League as well as domestically.

Sutton reckons it's important Celtic keep hold of their star man but feels Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate may be sold in the upcoming transfer window.

Kuhn had an outstanding start to this season and is another nominee for the PFA award, attracting reported interest in recent months from the likes of Brentford and Brighton.

While Hatate has now been at the club for three-and-a-half years, a similar amount of time to Kyogo before he was cashed in on.


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Writing for the Daily Record, Sutton said: "Looking at the title success just passed may give some clues into what will happen next. Without question, Nicolas Kuhn had a huge part to play in the triumph.

"Having been unconvincing through his first half-season at the club, the German came alive with a strong-pre-season under his belt.

"Kuhn’s form dropped at the conclusion to the title win, but his contribution to get Celtic into position was exemplary.

"The winger’s work attracted the attention of scouts and, with that in mind, bids could well arrive. In fact, I’d say it’s likely and Celtic may decide he is the one to make the transfer money this summer.

"Reo Hatate is another who has played his part and it could be that, after three-and-a-half seasons in Glasgow, his time has come to move on, just as was the case with Kyogo Furuhashi who had been there for the same length of time."

And while the former Parkhead favourite is keen to see his old club hang onto Maeda, he also wants them to supplement him with another centre-forward signing.

"Maeda’s also at three-and-a-half years, but Celtic must surely keep him," he added. "His ability to play as a No.9 takes away the urgency to get a new central striker signed ahead of the Champions League qualifiers.

"Adam Idah was supposed to take Kyogo’s place, but the fact Rodgers opted to go with Maeda for the majority of the time may tell a story.

"For my money, Celtic have to buy a top-class striker. I thought it in January when Kyogo left and I still do."

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