Celtic's transfer window woes continue as Martin O'Neill explains his London trip and the challenges of replacing key players. The Hoops are 3 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian and face a tough Champions League play-off.
What happened?
Celtic have dithered in previous transfer windows and last year felt the repercussions when they failed to reach the Champions League and so nearly relinquished their Premiership crown to Hearts. Supporters hoped this transfer window would be different, but there are grumbles. The feeling is Celtic are not yet ready to compete on all fronts - especially with a European play-off on the horizon.
Why it matters for Celtic
The Hoops are 3 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian and face a tough Champions League play-off. While eight new recruits have rocked up at Ibrox, so far only two have come in at Celtic. Right enough, they are big purchases in striker Kasper Hogh for £11 million and Camilo Duran for £6m. Quality over quantity? If only it was that straightforward a narrative.
What comes next?
Celtic's league campaign begins against Dundee on Monday and while those in place should have enough to take down the rank and file of Scottish football, it is seeing off Rangers (plus Hearts) and winning the Champions League play-off in little over a fortnight's time that will be tougher. O'Neill often jokes about how he worries constantly and tried to shrug off the inevitable line of questioning on incomings, or the lack of it, during his pre-match press conference - the first of many this season.
Celtic are trying to replace key players, but it's not easy. If some good players go, you're trying to replace them. We're a selling club because of the finance. The finance here in Scotland is just not there. And I think, way back 25 years ago, when I was able to sign the likes of Sutton and Hartson, I think the gap between that and an English Premier League wasn't as great. I could be able to get those players up. Actually, they wanted to come. But it is difficult. And the difficulty is letting some of your best players go and trying to replace them with, obviously, less revenue and trying to make them as good or, eventually, better than what you let go. That, eventually, has its problems.
Celtic are negotiating with Frosinone for winger Fares Ghedjemis, who could cost £8m. Around £17m has already been spent, and Celtic - always frugal - and clearly treading the line between being held over a barrel and getting what they need. O'Neill is playing his part. He travelled to London to meet Hogh and confirmed that he has held conversations with other players.
Celtic's league campaign begins against Dundee on Monday, and while those in place should have enough to take down the rank and file of Scottish football, it is seeing off Rangers (plus Hearts) and winning the Champions League play-off in little over a fortnight's time that will be tougher. The Hoops are 3 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian and face a tough Champions League play-off. Goals this season: 59 scored, 35 conceded (+24 goal difference). League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 3rd in Premiership, 67 pts, 21W-4D-8L from 33 games, recent form WWWWW. Next fixture: vs Motherwell (at home, 2026-12-26) (4th in the table). Title race: 3 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian.
