Martin O'Neill has made it clear that Celtic will continue to reinforce the squad this summer, emphasizing that the club is focused on adding "quality rather than quantity" to the roster. So far, the Scottish Premiership champions have secured the services of Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, while veteran midfielder Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain has agreed to a fresh one‑year contract. Fans have expressed growing impatience over the relatively modest transfer activity, especially after the departure of key striker Daizen Maeda, who has signed for newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town. The loss of Maeda, a prolific forward who contributed heavily to Celtic’s title charge, has left a noticeable gap in the attacking line‑up that O'Neill acknowledges must be filled.
Celtic will kick off their title‑defence against Dundee on Monday, with the match being broadcast live on Sky Sports, followed by a Champions League play‑off later in the month. Ahead of these fixtures, O'Neill has urged supporters to exercise patience as the club continues to hunt for suitable reinforcements. "We’re trying to bring 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, so we have to replace him.
I think we’re doing our best to do that." He added, "We will get some more players in, there’s no question about that, but I want quality rather than quantity." This statement underscores a strategic approach: rather than flooding the squad with numerous signings, the club aims to target individuals who can make an immediate impact and fit the team’s style of play. After a turbulent season that saw O'Neill return to Celtic twice, the team clinched the league title on the final day with a decisive victory over Hearts in May. The manager reflected on the mental fortitude that carried the side across the finish line, saying, "Last season was terrific, it’s now history.
We’re ready to go again. It was mentality as much as anything else that got us over the line – a strong will to win that we saw through. That will be very, very important this season, there’s no question about that." Meanwhile, long‑serving captain Callum McGregor has publicly dismissed speculation linking him with a move back to former manager Brendan Rodgers at Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia.
The 33‑year‑old reiterated his commitment to Celtic, describing the club as a lifelong passion that began when he was eight or nine years old. "This is a football club that’s been part of my whole life. It’s where I want to be, it’s where I want to play football," McGregor said. He emphasized his desire to help the club continue its success and to eventually leave on a high note.
When asked whether Celtic’s recent signings aligned with his personal ambitions, McGregor responded affirmatively. He highlighted the arrivals of two strikers and the recent addition of Kasper Hogh, stating, "It’s good signs, positive steps, and it adds to an already strong group." He praised the collective effort of the players and staff during the previous season’s challenging moments, noting that the squad’s determination and quality were crucial to overcoming adversity. "We have guys who want to work for the club, who are good footballers, who want to get better and ultimately brought success during a difficult season. We have the makings of a really, really good team," he asserted.
Looking ahead, McGregor reiterated the club’s primary objective: securing a place in the Champions League. He explained that participation in Europe’s premier competition would elevate Celtic to a new level, both financially and reputationally. "The standard for us is trying to get to Champions League football. That 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 rhetorically. Celtic’s opening Premiership fixture against Dundee is scheduled for August 3 at 7:30 pm, marking the start of a historic opening weekend in which all six top‑flight matches will be shown live on Sky Sports for the first time.
The broadcast will be available via Sky Sports’ streaming service and also through NOW, offering fans multiple ways to watch. In summary, O'Neill’s message to the Celtic faithful is one of measured optimism: more signings are on the way, but the emphasis will be on players who can raise the overall standard rather than simply filling the roster. McGregor’s reaffirmation of his loyalty and his focus on Champions League aspirations further underline the club’s ambition to build on last season’s triumph and to compete at the highest levels of European football. The upcoming fixtures against Dundee and the subsequent Champions League play‑off will provide early indicators of how the new additions integrate and whether the team can maintain the winning mentality that secured the title in May.