Martin O'Neill has made it clear that Celtic will continue to bolster their squad this summer, emphasizing that the club is focused on securing high‑calibre players rather than simply increasing numbers. The reigning Scottish Premiership champions have already added Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh to the roster, and they have re‑signed Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain on a one‑year contract.
Despite these moves, many supporters have expressed frustration over what they perceive as a sluggish transfer window, especially after the club’s leading striker, Daizen Maeda, secured a move to newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town. Celtic’s season‑opening fixture sees them host Dundee on Monday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, followed by a Champions League play‑off later in the month.
O'Neill is urging fans to be patient as the club works to identify the right targets. "We are committed to bringing quality into the football club," the 74‑year‑old manager told Sky Sports News. "Losing Daizen was a big blow – he was a key player for us – and we are actively looking for a suitable replacement. Rest assured, we will bring in more players, but our priority is quality over quantity." After a dramatic campaign that saw O'Neill return to Celtic twice during the season, the team clinched the league title on the final day with a decisive win over Hearts in May.
Reflecting on that success, O'Neill highlighted the mental strength and winning mentality that carried the side across the line. "Last season was fantastic, but it belongs to the past now. We are ready to start a new chapter," he said.
"Our mental resilience, the desire to win, and the collective will were crucial, and those attributes will be essential again this season." Meanwhile, captain Callum McGregor has firmly stated that Celtic remains his preferred destination, despite ongoing speculation linking him with a potential reunion with former manager Brendan Rodgers at Saudi club Al Qadsiah. The 33‑year‑old reiterated his commitment to the club that has been a part of his life since childhood. "This is the club I grew up with, the place I want to play football," McGregor explained. "I want to continue contributing to its success and, when the time comes, leave the club in a strong position." When asked whether Celtic’s ambitions align with his own, McGregor responded positively, pointing to recent signings that have strengthened the squad.
"We have brought in two quality strikers and other strong players. Kasper Hogh, for instance, joined us just within the last 24 hours. These are positive signs that add depth to an already solid group," he said. "The players and staff who helped us through last season’s challenges were instrumental, and we now have a core of footballers who are eager to improve and drive the club forward." He further emphasized the club’s long‑term goal of reaching the Champions League, noting that participation at that level would elevate Celtic to a new stature.
"Our ultimate aim is to compete regularly in the Champions League. That competition takes the club to a different level, both financially and reputationally. We must keep pushing as players, staff, and as an organization to achieve that target," McGregor added. Celtic’s title‑defence kicks off at home against Dundee on August 3, with a 7:30 pm kickoff that will be streamed live on Sky Sports.
This match forms part of a historic opening weekend in which all six top‑flight games will be shown live for the first time. Fans can view the full list of Celtic’s Premiership fixtures, including the date of the season’s first Old Firm clash, through the club’s official channels. Overall, O'Neill and McGregor both stress a measured yet ambitious approach for the upcoming season: securing a handful of high‑quality signings, maintaining the mental edge that secured last year’s title, and striving toward the ultimate goal of Champions League football.
Their messages underscore a commitment to patience, strategic recruitment, and a shared vision for Celtic’s continued success on both domestic and European stages.