Martin O'Neill has made it clear that Celtic will continue to bolster their squad this summer, emphasizing that the club is focused on bringing in "quality rather than quantity." So far, the Scottish Premiership champions have secured the services of Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, and they have also re‑signed Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain on a fresh one‑year contract. Despite these moves, many supporters have expressed disappointment over what they perceive as a sluggish transfer window, especially after the departure of prolific striker Daizen Maeda, who has signed for newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town. Celtic’s campaign this season kicks off with a home match against Dundee on Monday, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This fixture precedes their upcoming Champions League play‑off later in the month, adding extra pressure on the squad to hit the ground running.
O'Neill, now 74, urged fans to exercise patience as the club continues its recruitment drive. "We are aiming to inject quality into the squad," O'Neill told Sky Sports News.
"Losing Daizen was a big blow – he was a key player for us – and we are working hard to find a suitable replacement. Rest assured, more signings are coming, but we will prioritise calibre over sheer numbers." The manager’s comments come after a dramatic season in which Celtic reclaimed the league title on the final day, edging out Hearts in a winner‑takes‑all showdown. O'Neill, who returned to Celtic for a second spell earlier in the campaign, believes the mental resilience and winning mentality displayed by the team will be essential as they embark on a new challenge.
"Last season was fantastic, but it belongs to the past now. We have to move forward with the same hunger and determination that got us over the line," he said.
"The mentality, the will to win, and the collective spirit were the keys to our success, and those attributes will be vital this season as well." Meanwhile, long‑time captain Callum McGregor has addressed swirling speculation linking him with a move to Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, where former manager Brendan Rodgers now coaches. The 33‑year‑old reiterated his commitment to Celtic, describing the club as a lifelong passion. "Celtic has been a part of my life since I was eight or nine years old. This is where I want to be and where I want to continue playing football," McGregor explained.
"My aim is to contribute as much as possible to the club’s success, and when the time comes to leave, I want to do so having helped the club reach a very strong position." When asked whether Celtic’s recent signings align with his personal ambitions, McGregor responded positively. "Yes, we have brought in two strikers and two excellent players recently.
Kasper Hogh, for example, joined us just within the last 24 hours and his arrival is a promising sign. These additions complement an already strong group," he said. "At the end of last season I spoke about the importance of the squad and staff in navigating difficult moments – the players were instrumental." He went on to highlight the club’s broader objectives, noting that the ultimate target remains qualification for the Champions League, which would elevate Celtic to a higher competitive tier.
"Our goal is to reach Champions League football. That competition takes the club to a different level, both financially and in terms of prestige. We must keep pushing as players, as staff, and as an organization to achieve that." The upcoming match against Dundee will be the first of Celtic’s title‑defence, scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
on August 3 and broadcast across all six top‑flight games on Sky Sports – a historic first for the league’s opening weekend. Fans can also follow the full schedule of Celtic’s Premiership fixtures, including the eagerly anticipated Old Firm clash later in the season. Beyond the immediate transfer activity, O'Neill’s strategy appears to focus on building a balanced squad that can compete on multiple fronts. The manager has hinted at scouting for a versatile forward who can replicate Maeda’s pace and finishing ability, while also looking to reinforce the midfield with players capable of controlling the tempo of games against both domestic rivals and European opponents.
In addition to the on‑field considerations, Celtic’s board is reportedly reviewing its wage structure to ensure sustainability while remaining attractive to prospective signings. This financial prudence is intended to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other clubs attempting rapid squad overhauls. Overall, the message from both O'Neill and McGregor is one of optimism tempered with realism.
The club acknowledges the need for fresh talent, but insists that any new arrivals must meet high standards to sustain the momentum generated by last season’s title win. As the season approaches, Celtic supporters can look forward to a blend of continuity and strategic reinforcement, with the ultimate aim of reclaiming domestic dominance and making a deep run in Europe.