Celtic's board failed to sign Arne Engels after rejecting a £25m offer from Nottingham Forest in January, leaving the club without a backup goalkeeper ahead of the Champions League qualifying match against LASK.

The absence of Dermot Desmond, the club’s principal shareholder, was also noted as the team celebrated a dramatic 3‑0 win over LASK in the first leg.

Board Inaction

The board’s sluggish response to the Nottingham Forest bid highlighted a broader pattern of delayed decision‑making. Despite the club’s recent multi‑million‑pound arrivals-Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Mika Baur and Hasseim Hassan-there has been no movement to secure a backup keeper or cover for full‑back and central‑defender positions. The transfer window closes on September 3, and Duran could be sold for a substantial profit before that date if the board remains inactive.

Match Highlights

The first‑leg victory over LASK was a showcase of Celtic’s attacking flair, with three goals in open play that left fans in awe. However, manager Brendan Rodgers warned that a three‑goal cushion was insufficient for a safe passage into the Champions League proper, noting that LASK play “fantastic stuff” and the tie remains “in the balance.” The club’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, with Cameron Carter‑Vickers and Auston Trusty highlighted as key weaknesses.

Historical Context

Celtic’s European journey has been uneven. A year earlier, the club faced a disastrous shoot‑out against Kairat Almaty, missing three penalties and being relegated to the Europa League. That failure was compounded by a lack of new signings despite Rodgers’ pleas. The current LASK tie echoes that pattern, with the board’s hesitation potentially undermining the team’s chances.

Fan Reaction

Supporters have begun to express frustration, with some boycotting matches and merchandise to pressure the board into action. The absence of Dermot Desmond during a European night, coupled with the presence of older figures like 74‑year‑old Martin O’Neill and 80‑year‑old Sir Rod Stewart, underscores a generational gap in leadership urgency.

Future Needs

To compete domestically and in Europe, Celtic must urgently sign a backup goalkeeper, secure full‑back cover on both flanks, and add a central defender. The board’s slow pace of thought and movement, coupled with the lack of decisive action on player recruitment, threatens to keep the club’s ambitions in limbo as the Champions League qualifiers loom.