Celtic have entered the 2026‑27 transfer season with several high‑profile names hanging in the balance, most notably midfielder Ar Arne Engels, Danish prospect Jakob Breum and Australian keeper Mat Ryan, as Martin O’Neill looks to rebuild after Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement.

What is the current status of Arne Engels?

Engels remains on Nottingham Forest’s radar, but the club’s priority has shifted to Lucas Bergvall as a replacement for Elliot Anderson, according to reports dated 4 July 2026. Forest’s earlier interest in Engels, sparked by a January bid that never materialised, now appears secondary. O’Neill previously warned that any offer would need to reach £100 million to be considered, a figure that still looms over negotiations.

How does Jakob Breum’s contract affect Celtic’s options?

Breum, the Danish midfielder who logged 13 goal contributions last season, is entering the final year of his deal as of 1 July 2026. Go Ahead Eagles have yet to receive a formal approach, despite Celtic’s public desire to retain him. Last summer the club rejected several bids, and no fresh offer has surfaced, leaving his future uncertain and the Hoops without a clear replacement for departing midfield talent.

Is Mat Ryan a realistic goalkeeper solution?

Mat Ryan, 34, is currently in talks with Club Brugge, according to a 5 July 2026 source. The former Levante number‑one became a free agent after his contract expired, and Celtic have been linked with him as a stop‑gap after Schmeichel’s exit. However, Brugge appears to have the upper hand, and Ryan’s next move may not involve Glasgow.

What other transfer moves are shaping Celtic’s window?

Defender Hayato Inamura has completed a permanent switch to FC Tokyo for a fee reported to exceed £1 million, turning a brief Parkhead stint into a profit for Celtic. Meanwhile, young defender Benjamin Arthur posted training footage in Celtic gear, hinting at possible interest, though no formal approach has been confirmed. These developments illustrate a window that is still very much in flux, with O’Neill needing to balance immediate gaps against long‑term squad quality.

What does this mean for Martin O’Neill’s rebuild?

O’Neill faces a delicate balancing act: replace a veteran goalkeeper, retain promising midfield talent, and possibly add depth in defense. The lack of concrete bids for Engels and Breum suggests negotiations will extend into August, while Ryan’s situation remains unresolved. Celtic’s summer activity will likely hinge on whether the club can secure a high‑value midfielder and a reliable keeper before the season kicks off in August.