No panic, but Celtic not good enough yet - Lambert

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that former Celtic captain Paul Lambert has warned the Scottish champions are not yet strong enough for the season ahead unless they add more players, while also saying the situation should not be treated as a crisis. Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound, Lambert said Celtic’s current squad is short of the level required to defend the league title and compete in Europe.

Celtic’s summer business has so far brought in striker Camilo Duran, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has extended his stay after initially joining on a short-term deal. Both players started Saturday’s 1-1 friendly draw with Middlesbrough, with Duran scoring Celtic’s goal. The BBC also reported that Kelechi Iheanacho, previously linked with staying or returning, has instead joined Bursaspor, and former loan left-back Marcelo Saracchi has indicated on social media that a return to Glasgow will not happen. Centre-half Maik Nawrocki has been sold to Lens.

Lambert’s comments come after Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson said the transfer market had been difficult, citing competition with English Premier League and Championship clubs and negotiations involving agents. Celtic begin competitive action at home to Dundee on 3 August and are due to enter the Champions League at the play-off stage later that month.

Lambert argued Celtic need ready-made additions rather than relying mainly on developing younger players, saying the club’s expectations are centred on winning and competing. He also suggested significant investment is needed in recruitment infrastructure, giving a figure of about £8m-£10m.