Martin O'Neill has made it clear that Celtic will continue to strengthen their squad this summer, emphasizing that the club is focused on bringing in "quality rather than quantity." The reigning Scottish Premiership champions have already secured the services of Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, and have re-signed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a one‑year contract. However, fans have expressed disappointment over what they perceive as a sluggish transfer window, especially after the departure of key striker Daizen Maeda, who has joined newly‑promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town. Celtic's title‑defence kicks off against Dundee on Monday, with the match set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, followed by a Champions League play‑off later in the month. O'Neill has asked supporters to be patient as the club works to finalize further signings.
"We're trying to get some quality into the football club," the 74‑year‑old manager told Sky Sports News. "We've lost Daizen, he was a big, big player for us and so we have to replace him.
I think that we're doing our best to do that. We will get some more players in, there's no question about that, but I want quality rather than quantity." After a dramatic season that saw O'Neill return to Celtic twice, the club clinched the league title on the final day with a victory over Hearts in May. The manager believes the mental resilience shown last season will be crucial for the upcoming campaign. "Last season was terrific, it's gone now, it's consigned to history.
Now we're ready to go," he said. "I think it was mentality as much as anything else that got us over the line.
It was strong, it was a will to win and we saw it through. That will be very, very important this season, there's no question about that." Meanwhile, captain Callum McGregor has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, where former boss Brendan Rodgers now works. The 33‑year‑old reiterated his commitment to Celtic, describing the club as a lifelong passion.
"Listen, this is a football club that's been part of my whole life since I was eight, nine years old. It's where I want to be. It's where I want to play football," he explained. "Ultimately, I want to keep driving everything that I possibly can to make sure this club is successful.
Then eventually, the day that you do leave it, you want to leave it in a really good place." When asked whether Celtic's ambitions match his own, McGregor responded positively, citing recent signings as evidence of the club's intent. "Yes, listen, we've signed two strikers, two really good players. Obviously, they've come in and done really well. Big Kasper (Hogh) has just joined us over the last 24 hours.
It's good signs, it's positive steps and that is to add to what is a really good group already," he said. He praised the squad and staff for navigating a difficult season, emphasizing the collective effort that delivered success.
"I don't really think there's a group of players and a group of staff that could have got us through that difficult moment as much as these boys did. It's obviously about trying to add bits of quality, but what we do have here is guys who want to work for the club, who are good footballers, who want to get better and ultimately did bring success to the football club during a difficult season, so we have the makings of a really, really good team." Looking ahead, McGregor highlighted the club's ultimate goal of reaching the Champions League group stage, a target that would elevate Celtic to a new level financially and competitively. "Obviously, the standard for us is trying to get to Champions League football.
That's where we want to be. It takes the club to a different level. So, can we keep pushing as players, staff and our football club to make sure we get there?" he asked. Celtic's opening league fixture against Dundee on August 3 will be played at home, with a 7.30pm kickoff and live coverage on Sky Sports.
This match forms part of a historic opening weekend in which all six Scottish Premiership games are being shown live for the first time. Fans can also look forward to the first Old Firm clash of the season later in the campaign, with the full fixture list available on Celtic's official website. Beyond the immediate transfer business, O'Neill and his coaching team are expected to focus on integrating the new arrivals into a system that balances defensive solidity with attacking flair. The addition of Kasper Hogh, a versatile forward known for his work rate and aerial ability, should provide more options up front, while Camilo Duran's creativity in midfield could help unlock stubborn defenses.
Oxlade‑Chamberlain, returning after a spell abroad, brings experience and a proven goal‑scoring record that could prove vital in tight matches. The manager also hinted at possible further activity in the January window, suggesting that the club will continue to assess the squad's depth and make strategic moves if needed. "We are always looking at the market and at our own players. If there is a chance to improve the squad, we will take it," O'Neill said.
This pragmatic approach reflects a desire to maintain momentum without overhauling the team mid‑season. Supporters, while eager for more high‑profile signings, appear to be warming to the idea of a measured, quality‑first strategy.
The club's recent domestic success, coupled with a clear vision for European progression, has helped to quell some of the earlier frustration. As the season unfolds, the combination of seasoned veterans, promising newcomers, and a clear tactical plan under O'Neill's leadership could see Celtic not only defend their league crown but also make a deeper run in European competition. In summary, Martin O'Neill assures fans that more signings are on the way, but stresses that each addition must meet a high standard of quality. Callum McGregor, firmly rooted at Celtic, dismisses rumors of a Saudi move and reaffirms his dedication to the club's ambitions, particularly the pursuit of Champions League football.
With the season opener against Dundee looming and a full slate of fixtures broadcast live, Celtic supporters have plenty to anticipate as the team embarks on another campaign to consolidate domestic dominance and chase European glory.