Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has made it clear that he does not want to see any further key members of his squad depart during the upcoming summer transfer period, especially as clubs show growing curiosity about midfielder Arne Engels and full‑back Alistair Johnston. According to a report from Sky Sports News on Friday, West Ham United have entered negotiations to acquire the Belgian midfielder, but Celtic have set a price tag of around £25 million.
O'Neill confirmed that a bid had indeed been tabled, yet he dismissed it as "not even close" to the club's valuation, indicating that the offer fell far short of what Celtic consider fair for the player. At the same time, Johnston's profile has risen dramatically after a standout performance for Canada at the World Cup.
O'Neill disclosed that he has been in touch with Everton manager David Moyes regarding a possible transfer for the right‑back. "Everton have been in contact," O'Neill said.
"I'm not sure whether there has been a bid in for that one. In fairness, David called me last weekend to say there would be contact, but I don't know how far that has progressed, or if it has at all." Celtic's transfer window to date has been heavily weighted toward departures, with fourteen players having left the club. Among those exiting are Daizen Maeda, who moved to Ipswich Town, and Kelechi Iheanacho, who transferred to Bursaspor, as well as the conclusion of several high‑profile loan arrangements. To offset the outflow, the club has added two forwards: Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, the latter arriving for a club‑record fee.
Despite the exodus, O'Neill is adamant about preventing further losses as Celtic gear up to defend their Scottish Premiership crown. "I was hoping each day that there wouldn't be any serious interest," he admitted, "but that was never going to happen. Now that you mention the fourteen players who have left, I'm worried myself." He went on to explain that the club had intended to build a stronger squad and retain as many players as possible.
"Alistair did excellent work with Canada and that boosted his chances," O'Neill noted, acknowledging the natural pull of international success on a player's market value. He described the ideal scenario as a balance between recruiting fresh talent and keeping existing stars, calling it "utopia" and conceding that reality rarely matches that perfect picture. Uncertainty also surrounds whether Engels or Johnston will be available for Celtic's opening league match against Dundee on Monday, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. O'Neill hinted that the ongoing negotiations could affect squad selection for that fixture.
Tactically, Celtic predominantly employed a 4‑3‑3 or 4‑4‑2 formation last season, which limited the number of central striking options. With the summer signings of both Hogh and Duran, O'Neill expressed confidence that he can devise a system that accommodates both forwards. "Given the time, the two players should be able to play together without a problem," he said.
He added that while the exact tactical adjustments remain to be seen, both players are of high quality and versatile. Duran, for instance, has already featured on the wing, offering O'Neill flexibility to deploy him either as a central striker or in a supporting role.
Beyond Celtic, the article also touches on transfer rumors involving Rangers. Sky Sports News' Sahil Jaidka and Anthony Joseph reported that both Celtic and Rangers are eyeing Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis. The 23‑year‑old Algerian international, who helped his Italian side secure promotion to Serie A with 15 goals and three assists last season, was close to joining Celtic in January but now appears to be a target for the Glasgow club as well. Ghedjemis has attracted interest from clubs across Italy, England and the United States.
Rangers, who are seeking to replace departing winger Oliver Antman, have also been linked with Coventry City’s Jahnoah Markelo. Additionally, Brighton’s Amario Cozier‑Duberry and former Ibrox loanee Vaclav Cerny have been mentioned as potential arrivals, although Cerny's wage demands at Besiktas could pose a hurdle. Overall, the summer window presents a challenging landscape for O'Neill, who must juggle the desire to strengthen his roster, retain emerging talents, and maintain continuity ahead of a title defence. The balance between selling at a profit and keeping a competitive squad will be crucial for Celtic's ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
The manager's pragmatic outlook—recognising that perfect equilibrium is unlikely—suggests a measured approach to negotiations, focusing on realistic valuations and strategic signings that fit the club's long‑term vision.