Martin O'Neill has made it clear that Celtic will be active in the summer transfer market, emphasizing that the club is focused on securing "quality rather than quantity" in any new signings. The reigning Scottish Premiership champions have already added Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh to their roster, and have secured a one‑year contract extension for Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain, who returns to the squad after a brief spell away. Fans have expressed growing impatience over what they perceive as a sluggish transfer window, 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 significantly to Celtic's title‑winning campaign, has left a noticeable gap in the attacking line‑up that the management is keen to fill. Celtic's first match of the new season will see them defend their title against Dundee on Monday, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
This game precedes the club's upcoming Champions League play‑off later in the month, a competition that the Glasgow side is eager to navigate successfully. In a recent interview with Sky Sports News, the 74‑year‑old manager urged supporters to exercise patience while the club works to bring in the right talent. "We are focused on bringing quality into the football club," O'Neill said. "We've lost Daizen – he was a huge player for us – and we need to replace him.
I believe we are doing everything we can to find the right replacement." He continued, "We will bring in more players, there is no doubt about that, but I want quality rather than quantity." O'Neill's remarks come after a dramatic season in which he returned to Celtic twice and ultimately guided the team to the league title on the final day with a win over Hearts in May. Reflecting on that triumph, he highlighted the mental strength and winning mentality that propelled the squad to success. "Last season was fantastic, it's now part of history.
We are ready to move forward," he said. "It was the mentality, the will to win, that got us over the line, and that will be crucial again this season." Meanwhile, long‑serving captain Callum McGregor has dismissed speculation linking him with a move back to former manager Brendan Rodgers at Saudi club Al Qadsiah. In April, 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 the club I want to be at, the club I want to play for," McGregor told reporters. "My goal is to keep contributing to its success and, when the time comes to leave, to do so having left the club in a strong position." When asked whether Celtic's recent signings matched his personal ambitions, McGregor responded positively.
"Yes, we have added two strikers and two very good players. Kasper Hogh joined us in the last 24 hours – that’s a good sign and a positive step for an already strong group," he said. He praised the squad and staff for navigating a challenging season, noting that the collective effort was essential to overcoming difficult moments.
"We have a group of players who are eager to work for the club, who are talented and want to improve," McGregor explained. "They helped us achieve success during a tough campaign, and we now have the foundations for a truly great team. Our ultimate aim is to reach the Champions League consistently, as that elevates the club to a higher level. We must keep pushing as players, staff, and as a club to make that happen." Celtic's title‑defence will kick off at home against Dundee on August 3, with a 7:30 pm start time.
This match forms part of an historic opening weekend in which all six top‑flight games will be shown live on Sky Sports for the first time, offering fans unprecedented access to the league's action. Looking ahead, O'Neill and his coaching staff will be tasked with balancing the integration of new signings, the development of existing talent, and the tactical adjustments needed to compete on both domestic and European fronts.
The club's strategy appears to centre on targeted recruitment – bringing in players who can immediately elevate the squad's quality while also fitting into O'Neill's footballing philosophy. In addition to the on‑field considerations, Celtic will also be navigating the commercial and logistical aspects of a busy schedule that includes a Champions League play‑off, potential European group stage matches, and the traditional Old Firm derby against Rangers.
The financial rewards of deep runs in European competition are significant, and the club's leadership is keen to capitalize on those opportunities to further strengthen the roster. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments, including transfer news, match previews, and exclusive interviews, by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp and other digital platforms.
The broadcaster promises continuous coverage, videos, analysis, and more, ensuring that supporters have access to real‑time information throughout the season. In summary, Martin O'Neill has signalled a clear intent to reinforce Celtic with high‑calibre players, while Callum McGregor has reaffirmed his dedication to the club despite external rumours. Both men stress the importance of quality, mentality, and a shared ambition to compete at the highest levels of European football.
As the new campaign unfolds, Celtic supporters will be watching closely to see how these plans translate into performances on the pitch, hoping that the blend of experience, fresh talent, and unwavering determination will bring further silverware and a return to the Champions League spotlight.