Chris Sutton understands Celtic’s player trading model as we all do.
The club have made big money through sales in recent seasons with Matt O’Riley and Jota in particular raking in £55million between them.
Kieran Tierney also represents an incredible bit of business having sold for £25m before he agreed a free transfer back to Celtic Park which will come to fruition in the summer.
Celtic’s current top star who has been backed to leave for Premier League riches is Daizen Maeda whose 30 goals have helped the team both domestically and in the Champions League.
Celtic cannot sell Daizen Maeda despite trading model
But Sutton insists Celtic cannot allow Maeda to leave this summer amid Brendan Rodgers’ desire to sign him on a new contract.
“Maeda has been outstanding. He’s having one of those special seasons you get from time to time and hitting the 30 mark is no mean feat,” Sutton wrote in his Daily Record column.
“There’s not too many who have achieved it over the years and it’s no wonder his form hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“It’s also got some Celtic fans slightly worried. They know how this works. Like it or lump it, Celtic are a development club and they have previous for cashing in when a player is hot.
We’ve seen plenty head out the door for big money and even Brendan Rodgers has admitted recently he’d expect clubs will be looking at Maeda. The player trading model everyone talks about would suggest he could be sold this summer.
“But I would say he simply CAN’T. Listen, I get the model and know it’s been very successful.
“There are times though when they have to look at the bigger picture and keeping Maeda at the club would be way more important than taking the money right now.
“Letting Maeda go now – when he has hit top form – would be ridiculous.”
Sutton says Maeda is needed for Celtic to make Champions League
Sutton’s explanation is of sound logic with the club’s Duracell Bunny too important right now.
Next season will also see the return of Champions League qualifiers and Maeda would be needed to get to the group stage proper.
Yet another reason Sutton says Celtic can’t let him go.
“Celtic’s Champions League qualifier is absolutely massive. I’m not saying it could make or break their season, but it’s not far off.
There would be no point in making all the progress in Europe this season to undo it again a few months later.
“That means going into that play-off as strong as possible. And that means keeping Maeda on the books.
“Even just getting there shouldn’t just be the goal. That shouldn’t be the end target, it should be the beginning. Celtic want to get there and then go and compete.
“Maeda has proved this season he is a man who can produce the goods at that level and it’s another reason why there should be a not for sale sign on him.
