Celtic’s summer transfer window is turning into a second straight season of discontent for the club’s supporters after the board’s extreme financial prudence left fans fuming. The latest protests come as the Hoops’ hierarchy face fresh criticism for hoarding cash while haggling over pittances in ongoing deals.

What’s driving the protests?

The board’s tightfisted approach has left supporters seething, with fans accusing the hierarchy of incompetence after years of watching the club’s own money spent sparingly. Camilo Duran remains the only summer arrival so far, despite talks with Paderborn over midfielder Mika Baur and a move for Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh. The Baur deal hit a snag this week, with German reports claiming Celtic’s representatives are haggling over a £300,000 gap in the fee, a move that risks scaring off Paderborn.

Daizen Maeda’s exit looms large

Daizen Maeda is all but done at Celtic, with a move to Ipswich Town set to be confirmed today, and Arne Engels is expected to follow him out the door before the season opener against Dundee on Monday. Reo Hatate could also leave before the transfer window slams shut. These departures will bring in a tidy sum, yet the club is still haggling over a few hundred thousand for a highly rated German midfielder.

Why supporters have lost faith in the board

Talks with Kasper Hogh are reportedly progressing, but fans remember last year’s Kasper Dolberg debacle all too well. The club’s transfer approach has drawn widespread ridicule, with supporters questioning why the hierarchy can’t close deals efficiently. The pursuit of Haissem Hassan has also gone quiet, despite reports that Celtic were ready to do business with Real Oviedo. The club’s representatives either lack urgency or refuse to budge on fees, frustrating selling clubs, players, and the fanbase alike.

Celtic sit third in the Premiership with 67 points from 33 games in the final 2025 table, three points behind Hearts, and boast a recent run of five straight wins. Their next outing is a home clash with Hearts on October 17, the league leaders.