Martin O'Neill has made it clear that Celtic will continue to reinforce the squad this summer, emphasizing that the focus will be on bringing in players of high calibre rather than simply increasing numbers. The reigning Scottish Premiership champions have already secured the services of Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, while former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain has agreed to a fresh one‑year contract, returning to the Parkhead side. Fans have expressed growing irritation over what they perceive as a sluggish transfer market, especially after the club’s marquee striker Daizen Maeda departed for newly promoted Premier League outfit Ipswich Town. The loss of Maeda, who had become a key figure in Celtic’s attacking line‑up, has intensified calls for swift replacements.
Celtic’s campaign this season kicks off with a home fixture against Dundee on Monday, broadcast live on Sky Sports, before they head into a crucial Champions League play‑off later in the month. O'Neill has asked supporters to temper their expectations and grant the club some breathing room as negotiations continue.
"Our aim is to inject quality into the team," the 74‑year‑old manager told Sky Sports News. "We have lost Daizen – he was a massive player for us – and we need to find a suitable replacement.
Rest assured, we are doing everything we can to make that happen." He added, "We will bring in more players, there is no doubt about that, but I prefer quality over quantity." After a tumultuous season that saw O'Neill return to Celtic on two separate occasions, the club clinched the league title in a dramatic final‑day showdown against Hearts in May. The manager believes the mental strength and winning mentality displayed by the squad were decisive factors in that triumph and will be essential as they embark on the new campaign.
"Last season was fantastic, but it’s now part of history. We’re ready to move forward," O'Neill said. "The mindset, the desire to win, and the resilience we showed were crucial.
Those qualities will be vital again this season, without question." Meanwhile, long‑serving captain Callum McGregor has reiterated his commitment to Celtic amid persistent rumors linking him with a move back to former manager Brendan Rodgers at Saudi club Al Qadsiah. The 33‑year‑old, who has been with Celtic since he was a child, stressed that the club remains his preferred destination. "Celtic has been part of my life since I was eight or nine years old. This is where I want to play," McGregor told reporters.
"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 ambitions align with his own, McGregor responded affirmatively, pointing to recent signings as evidence of the club’s intent. "We have added two strikers and two very talented players recently. Kasper Hogh, for instance, joined us within the last 24 hours – that’s a positive sign and a step in the right direction," he explained.
"At the end of the season I spoke about how the group of players and staff helped us navigate difficult moments. It’s about adding quality, but we already have a core of players who are eager to work, improve, and have delivered success during a challenging year." He continued, "Our ultimate aim is to reach the Champions League stage. Competing at that level would elevate the club to a new tier.
We must keep pushing – players, staff, and the whole organisation – to achieve that goal." Celtic’s opening league match against Dundee, scheduled for 7:30 pm on August 3, will be part of an unprecedented opening weekend where all six Scottish Premiership fixtures are shown live on Sky Sports. This exposure underscores the growing interest in Scottish football and offers fans a comprehensive view of the early season action. The club’s full fixture list, including the highly anticipated Old Firm clash later in the season, is available on Celtic’s official website. Supporters can also stay updated with the latest news, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp and streaming the Scottish Premiership via NOW.
In summary, O'Neill’s message to the Celtic faithful is one of patience and optimism: more signings are forthcoming, but the priority will be on players who can make an immediate impact. McGregor’s loyalty reinforces the club’s stability, and together they aim to build on last season’s success, with the Champions League as the ultimate target for the upcoming campaign.