Martin O'Neill has made it clear that Celtic will continue to bolster their squad this summer, emphasizing that the club is focused on securing high‑calibre players rather than simply increasing numbers. So far, the Scottish Premiership champions have added Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh to the roster, while former England international Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain has agreed to a fresh one‑year contract.
Fans have expressed growing impatience over what they see as a sluggish transfer window, especially after the departure of key striker Daizen Maeda, who has opted to join newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town. Celtic's first match of the title‑defence campaign comes against Dundee on Monday, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with a crucial Champions League play‑off looming later in the month.
O'Neill, 74, urged supporters to temper their expectations and give the club time to negotiate further deals. "Our aim is to bring genuine quality into the squad," he told Sky Sports News.
"Losing Daizen was a big blow – he was a major player for us – and we are working hard to find a suitable replacement. Rest assured, more signings are on the way, but we are prioritising quality over quantity." The manager reflected on a tumultuous season that saw him return to Celtic twice before ultimately guiding the team to the championship in a decisive final‑day clash against Hearts in May. He stressed that the mental strength and winning mentality that propelled the club to victory last season must be replicated this year. "Last season was fantastic, but it belongs to the past now.
We are ready to move forward. It was our mindset, the desire to win, that carried us across the line, and that will be vital again this season," O'Neill said. Meanwhile, club captain Callum McGregor has reiterated his commitment to Celtic amid swirling rumors linking him with a possible reunion with former manager Brendan Rodgers at Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah. The 33‑year‑old, who has been with Celtic since childhood, emphasized that the club remains his preferred destination.
"This club has been a part of my life since I was eight or nine. It’s where I want to play football," McGregor declared. "My goal is to keep contributing to the club’s success and, when the time comes to leave, to ensure I depart on a high note." When asked whether Celtic’s recent signings align with his ambitions, McGregor responded positively.
"We have brought in two strikers and two very talented players. Kasper Hogh just joined us in the last 24 hours – those are good signs and positive steps that enhance an already strong group," he explained.
He praised the squad and staff for navigating a challenging season, noting that the collective effort of the players was instrumental in overcoming difficult moments. "It’s about adding bits of quality, but we already have a group of players who are eager to work for the club, are talented, and are improving constantly. They helped us achieve success during a tough season, giving us the foundation for an even better team," McGregor added.
Looking ahead, McGregor highlighted the club’s ultimate aim: reaching the Champions League proper. "Competing in the Champions League would elevate the club to a new level.
We need to keep pushing – players, staff, and the whole organisation – to make that happen," he said. Celtic’s title‑defence will kick off at home against Dundee on 3 August, with a 7:30 pm kickoff broadcast live on Sky Sports. This opening fixture is part of an unprecedented weekend in which all six Scottish Premiership matches will be shown live on the network for the first time. Fans can follow Celtic’s full schedule, including the highly anticipated Old Firm derby, through the club’s official fixtures list.