Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expects the Scottish champions to make significant signings before the summer transfer window closes this Thursday. The 74-year-old made the prediction following his side's dramatic Champions League elimination by Austrian champions LASK on Tuesday, a result he admitted he was still struggling to accept.
O'Neill's comments were reported by Daily Mail Sport as Celtic prepare for their Europa League campaign. The club currently sits first in the Premiership with a perfect record of three wins from three games, scoring eight goals and conceding just two. They hold a three-point lead over Heart of Midlothian ahead of their next league fixture at home to Aberdeen on September 2nd.
What does O'Neill say about Celtic's transfer plans?
Martin O'Neill believes the club's leadership intends to act like a Champions League outfit in the final days of the window. "I honestly think that is the club’s aim," O'Neill stated. "We’ve brought in a couple of players that I think will do really fine for us." He expressed optimism that the prospect of Europa League football would still attract quality recruits, despite the disappointment of missing out on the premier competition.
The manager identified two specific areas for reinforcement. He noted a need for cover at left-back behind Kieran Tierney. O'Neill also highlighted the requirement for a strong box-to-box midfielder to replace Arne Engels. Celtic have already signed four players this summer but failed to secure deals for targets Ermin Mahmic, Landon Emenalo, Niko Sigur, and Gvidas Gineitis before the crucial Champions League play-off.
How did Celtic exit the Champions League?
The elimination was a shocking collapse. Celtic held a four-goal aggregate lead over LASK but ultimately fell short, missing out on the group stage. "I probably still haven’t got over the game on Tuesday night, but it’s something to look forward to, I must admit," O'Neill said of the swift shift to Europa League preparations. The defeat means Celtic's European path this season runs through the secondary competition, where they have been handed a challenging draw.
Their group stage schedule includes home matches against Marseille, Celta Vigo, Besiktas, and Ferencvaros. The away fixtures see them travel to face Benfica, Union Saint-Gilloise, Omonia, and surprise Portuguese Cup winners Torreense. O'Neill acknowledged his team has been dealt a difficult hand, but they can draw confidence from last season's performance, where they accrued 11 points in the group stage and progressed to the knockout round.
What is the immediate focus for the squad?
Before the transfer deadline drama and European campaign begin, Celtic must focus on domestic duties. They face Falkirk this weekend, and O'Neill has challenged his players to show character in response to their European setback. Captain Callum McGregor missed training through illness but is expected to be available for selection, which is a boost for the team.
The club's strong domestic start, detailed on our standings page, provides a solid foundation. Maintaining that momentum is vital as they navigate a busy schedule. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches, including the key clash with Aberdeen, on our comprehensive fixtures list.
What comes next for Celtic this season?
The next five days are critical for shaping Celtic's season. Investment before the window shuts could define their ability to compete on two fronts. With the Europa League group stage awaiting, O'Neill's task is to bolster a squad that must now prove its quality in a different tournament. The immediate priority is securing the necessary reinforcements to ensure the squad is stronger and better equipped for the challenges ahead, starting with the visit of Falkirk and continuing with their pursuit of domestic and European success.
