Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has said there is “no question” that the club will add more players this summer, but he stressed a focus on quality rather than sheer numbers.
Transfer activity and fan reaction
The Scottish Premiership champions have already secured Camilo Duran and striker Kasper Hogh, while veteran Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain returned on a one‑year deal. Supporters have voiced frustration over the limited activity, especially after Daizen Maeda’s departure to newly‑promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, the 74‑year‑old O’Neill acknowledged the need to replace Maeda. “We’ve lost Daizen, he was a big, big player for us and so we have to replace him,” he said. “We will get some more players in, there’s no question about that, but I want quality rather than quantity.”
Fans have been vocal, demanding swift moves in the transfer market. Yet O’Neill urged patience, noting that the organization is “trying to get some quality into the football club.” The manager’s comments came after Celtic clinched the title in a decisive final‑day match against Hearts in May.
Supporters have voiced frustration.
Callum McGregor’s commitment
Captain Callum McGregor reiterated his desire to stay at Celtic amid speculation linking him with a reunion with former boss Brendan Rodgers at Saudi club Al Qadsiah. The 33‑year‑old, who has been with the team since childhood, said the organization is “where I want to be.”
When asked if the club matches his ambitions, McGregor replied, “Yes, listen, we’ve signed two strikers, two really good players. Obviously, they’ve come in and done really well. Big Kasper (Hogh) has just joined us over the last 24 hours. It’s good signs, it’s positive steps and that is to add to what is a really good group already.”
Related: Alex Scott flourishes under Iraola to attract suitors
He added that the squad’s mentality helped secure last season’s title and that the goal now is to reach the Champions League. “The standard for us is trying to get to Champions League football. That takes the organization to a different level,” he said.
His comments hint at a broader expectation that the new signings will not only fill gaps but also raise the squad’s overall standard.
From a cautious standpoint, the upcoming transfer window could test Celtic’s ability to balance budget constraints with the desire for high‑caliber talent. If the organization succeeds, it may reinforce O’Neill’s strategy of selective recruitment. Failure to attract suitable players could reignite fan discontent and pressure the manager to reconsider his approach.
Season opener and upcoming fixtures
Celtic will begin their title defence at home against Dundee on August 3, with the match slated for a 7.30 pm kickoff and broadcast live on Sky Sports. This opening game caps a historic opening weekend that will see all six top‑flight fixtures streamed live for the first time.
Beyond the Dundee clash, Celtic’s schedule includes a Champions League play‑off later in the month, adding further incentive for the squad to solidify its depth before the season intensifies.
While recent signings have generated optimism, the true test will be how quickly they integrate and contribute on the pitch. O’Neill’s emphasis on “quality rather than quantity” suggests a measured approach, but supporters will likely remain impatient until the new arrivals demonstrate tangible impact.