Martin O'Neill has made it clear that Celtic will be active in the upcoming transfer window, emphasizing that the club is focused on securing "quality rather than quantity" when adding new faces to the squad. The reigning Scottish Premiership champions have already completed a few moves, bringing in Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, while veteran midfielder Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain has agreed to a fresh one‑year contract. Despite these signings, many supporters have expressed frustration over what they perceive as a sluggish transfer market, especially after the departure of influential striker Daizen Maeda, who has opted to join newly‑promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town.
Celtic’s campaign this season kicks off with a home clash against Dundee on Monday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports ahead of the club’s Champions League play‑off later in the month. O'Neill, now 74, has asked fans to exercise patience as the management team continues to hunt for the right players to strengthen the roster. "We are looking to bring in quality to the football club," O'Neill told Sky Sports News. "We have lost Daizen – he was a huge player for us – and we need to replace him.
I think we are doing everything we can to find the right fit." He added, "We will bring in more players, there is no doubt about that, but I want quality rather than quantity." The manager’s comments come after a tumultuous season that saw O'Neill return to Celtic on two separate occasions before finally guiding the team to a dramatic title win on the final day against Hearts in May. Reflecting on that success, O'Neill stressed the importance of the mentality that carried the side over the line. "Last season was fantastic, but it is now part of history.
We are ready to move forward," he said. "It was the mindset – a strong will to win – that got us there, and that will be crucial again this season." While O'Neill focuses on the transfer market, long‑time captain Callum McGregor has been vocal about his commitment to the club amid swirling rumours linking him with a possible reunion with former manager Brendan Rodgers at Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. The 33‑year‑old reiterated in April that Celtic must match his ambitions if he is to remain as they chase another league title.
"This club has been part of my life since I was eight or nine years old. It is where I want to be and where I want to play football," McGregor said. "My goal is to keep contributing everything I can to ensure Celtic’s success, and when the time comes to leave, I want to depart having left the club in a strong position." When asked whether he felt the club was aligning with his aspirations, McGregor responded affirmatively, pointing to recent signings as evidence of progress.
"We have added two strikers and two very good players recently. Kasper Hogh just joined us in the last 24 hours – it’s a positive sign and adds to an already strong group," he explained. "At the end of last season, I said that the combination of the players and staff was what helped us navigate the toughest moments.
It’s about adding bits of quality, but we already have a group of players who are eager to work for the club, improve their game, and have delivered success during a difficult season. That gives us the foundation for a truly great team." Looking ahead, McGregor highlighted the club’s ultimate aim of reaching the Champions League proper, describing it as a benchmark that would elevate Celtic to a new level.
"Our target is Champions League football. It takes the club to a different tier, and we must keep pushing – players, staff, and the whole organisation – to achieve that goal," he said. Celtic’s opening league fixture against Dundee will take place at Celtic Park on August 3, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 pm.
The match will be part of a historic opening weekend in which all six top‑flight games are being shown live on Sky Sports for the first time, offering fans unprecedented access to the early action of the Scottish Premiership season. Beyond the immediate concerns of squad building, O'Neill and McGregor both stressed the importance of continuity, ambition, and a shared vision for the club’s future. O'Neill’s promise of further signings, coupled with McGregor’s assurance that the squad is motivated and aligned with the club’s objectives, sets a tone of optimism as Celtic prepares to defend its crown and chase European glory.
For supporters eager to follow every development, Sky Sports provides live coverage, in‑depth analysis, and exclusive interviews via its platforms, including a dedicated WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, and features. Celtic’s full schedule, including the highly anticipated Old Firm derby later in the season, can be accessed through the club’s official channels and the Sky Sports fixture list. In summary, while the transfer market may appear slow at first glance, both the manager and the captain convey confidence that Celtic will reinforce the squad with high‑calibre talent, maintain the winning mentality that secured last season’s title, and strive for the ultimate prize of Champions League participation. The upcoming season promises to be a test of depth, resolve, and strategic planning as the Glasgow giants aim to build on their recent triumphs and cement their status as Scotland’s premier football institution.