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‘Straight back down’ – Chris Sutton aims brutal jibe at Sunderland over £10m Lennon Miller transfer links
Ex-Celtic Star Chris Sutton Takes Aim at Sunderland Over Lennon Miller Transfer Talk
Former Celtic forward turned football pundit Chris Sutton has taken a sharp jab at Sunderland amid speculation linking them with Motherwell’s rising star, Lennon Miller.
The 18-year-old midfielder has become one of the most sought-after young talents in Scottish football following a standout season with Motherwell and an impressive international debut in Scotland’s 4-0 victory over Liechtenstein.
Clubs across Europe are reportedly monitoring him, including Sunderland, who are said to be weighing up a substantial offer for the teenager.
However, Sutton was quick to downplay the idea of Miller moving to Wearside, questioning Sunderland’s suitability as a next step in the youngster’s career.
He bluntly suggested the club would be relegated straight back to the Championship if they returned to the Premier League, and argued that Miller should aim higher.
“Celtic can afford to invest in players like Miller—they’ve spent similar sums before, like with Vasilis Barkas, though that didn’t work out. I don’t see Miller as that kind of risk,” Sutton said. “Even if the price reaches £8million or £10million, that’s small change for Premier League clubs.
Sunderland have been mentioned, but he shouldn’t be lured by that. Do you want to play Champions League football or drop into the Championship? It’s a no-brainer.”
Despite intensifying speculation, Miller is expected to return to pre-season training with Motherwell as scheduled.
According to GlasgowWorld, suggestions of a £10million bid from Sunderland are still considered premature. Nevertheless, the midfielder is drawing interest from Celtic and several clubs in Germany, Italy, and Belgium.
Miller has earned widespread praise for his maturity and leadership on the pitch, even captaining Motherwell at times last season. He remains under contract at Fir Park until 2026, but the club is reportedly open to selling if their valuation is met.
That price is expected to surpass the £3.25million received for David Turnbull in 2020, especially if a Premier League side is involved.
Sunderland’s interest aligns with their ongoing youth-focused recruitment strategy, led by sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and head of recruitment Stuart Harvey.
The club is rebuilding following promotion and the departure of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund. Miller fits the profile they’re targeting, but no official offer has yet been submitted.
Who is Chris Sutton?
Chris Sutton is a former professional striker best known for his time at Blackburn Rovers, Celtic, and Norwich City.
He made his mark at Norwich before a record £5million move to Blackburn in 1994, where he partnered with Alan Shearer to win the Premier League in 1994–95.
After a brief stint at Chelsea, Sutton joined Celtic in 2000 and became a club legend, winning four league titles, three Scottish Cups, and a League Cup.
He also played in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final with Celtic and earned a single England cap in 1997. Since retiring in 2007, Sutton has worked as a football pundit and columnist.
