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 speculation mounts around midfielder Arne Engels and full‑back Alistair Johnston. According to a report from Sky Sports News on Friday, West Ham United are actively negotiating a deal for the Belgian midfielder.
Celtic have set a price tag of around £25 million for Engels, but O'Neill says an offer has already been tabled that "doesn't remotely meet our valuation". The club remains firm that any bid must reflect the player's true worth and his importance to the team's tactical set‑up. At the same time, the right‑hand defender Alistair Johnston has attracted attention following a standout performance for Canada at the World Cup.
O'Neill disclosed that he has been in contact with Everton manager David Moyes regarding a possible transfer. "Everton have been in contact," O'Neill explained.
"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 summer window has already been heavily weighted toward outgoings, with fourteen players having left the club so far.
Among those departing are Daizen Maeda, who moved to Ipswich Town, and Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined Turkish side Bursaspor. Several loan agreements have also come to an end, further thinning the roster. To offset those losses, the club have secured the services of two forwards: Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh.
Hogh's arrival is particularly noteworthy as it represents a club‑record transfer fee, signalling Celtic's intent to reinforce their attacking options. Despite the flurry of activity, O'Neill emphasised that retaining his core group is vital as Celtic prepare to defend their Scottish Premiership crown.
"I was hoping as each day went past that there wouldn't be any serious interest. But that was never going to happen.
Now that you say 14 [players who have left] I'm worried myself," he admitted. He added that the club had aimed to build a balanced squad and was hopeful that players would choose to stay. "Alistair did excellent work with Canada and that enhanced his chances," O'Neill noted, acknowledging the player's rising profile.
The manager also reflected on the difficulty of juggling recruitment and retention. "I think you have to try and do your best to balance everything and try and get new players in and try and hold the players that you have at the same time. That's utopia. Unfortunately, that's not real life," he said, underscoring the challenges faced by clubs of Celtic's stature.
Uncertainty remains over whether Engels or Johnston will be available for Celtic's opening Scottish Premiership fixture against Dundee on Monday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. O'Neill admitted he cannot confirm their fitness or eligibility at this stage. Celtic traditionally operated in a 4‑3‑3 or 4‑4‑2 formation last season, which limited the number of central strikers to one. With the summer acquisitions of both Hogh and Duran, O'Neill is confident he can adapt his tactical approach to accommodate both forwards.
"I would think that given the time that the two players should be able to play together without a problem," he said. "I don't know what that means, changing systems, changing all that type of stuff.
But they're good players." He further explained that Duran has experience playing out wide, offering additional flexibility. "He has played out wide as well, so that's encouraging. I'm not so sure that's eventually where I'll play him.
I see him being able to play as a striker or just off the striker," O'Neill added, hinting at possible positional rotation to maximise the talents of his new signings. Beyond Celtic, the Scottish football landscape continues to buzz with transfer rumours. Sky Sports News' Sahil Jaidka and Anthony Joseph reported that both Celtic and Rangers are eyeing Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis.
The 23‑year‑old, who helped his Italian club secure promotion to Serie A and earned a place in Algeria's World Cup squad, had previously been close to a Celtic deal in January. Now, Rangers have entered the race, with the Algerian international also attracting interest from clubs in Italy, England and the United States.
Rangers, who are seeking to replace departing winger Oliver Antman, have also identified Coventry City winger Jahnoah Markelo as a potential target. Additionally, Brighton's Amario Cozier‑Duberry and former Rangers loanee Vaclav Cerny have been linked with moves to the Glasgow side, although Cerny's wage demands at Besiktas could complicate any transfer. Overall, the summer window promises to be a period of significant movement for Scottish clubs, with managers like O'Neill striving to protect their squads while still pursuing strategic reinforcements.
The balance between retaining talent and attracting new players will be crucial as Celtic aim to maintain their dominance in the league and compete on the European stage.