In a flurry of activity that spanned just over a single day, Celtic managed to bring six fresh faces into the squad before the UEFA registration deadline on Wednesday night. The club’s aggressive recruitment drive saw a mixture of loan signings, permanent deals and youthful prospects added to the roster, all aimed at bolstering depth for the upcoming fixtures in the Scottish Premiership and European competition. The first wave of arrivals came in the form of four loan players who were registered in time for Celtic's dominant 3-0 victory over Aberdeen.
Among those loaned in were Danish midfielder Oliver Sorensen, who made an immediate impact by coming off the bench, and Chelsea striker Shim Mheuka, who also featured as a substitute during the match. Their presence added a burst of energy and gave manager Martin O'Neill additional tactical options in midfield and attack. In addition to the loan signings, Celtic confirmed the permanent signing of 19‑year‑old Dutch midfielder Joel van den Berg from PSV Eindhoven. Van den Berg, a technically gifted playmaker with a reputation for intelligent movement and precise passing, agreed to a four‑year contract that will see him develop under the guidance of O'Neill’s coaching staff.
Shortly after the Aberdeen win, the club also announced the acquisition of Swiss right‑back Jordan Lotomba. The 27‑year‑old defender, known for his defensive solidity and ability to contribute to the attack down the flank, signed a short‑term deal that runs until the end of the current season. The matchday squad also featured Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on the bench, providing experienced cover between the sticks.
Another young talent, 18‑year‑old Chelsea left‑back Landon Emenalo, completed a move to Celtic, although he will be sidelined for several weeks as he recovers from a minor injury and works to regain full fitness. Both van den Berg and Lotomba were officially registered just before the UEFA deadline of 11 p.m. on Wednesday, ensuring they are eligible to feature in European fixtures should Celtic qualify for the next round of competition. Their signings were part of a broader strategy to refresh the squad after the departures of forward Johnny Kenny, who left for Preston, and midfielder Reo Hatate, who transferred to Burnley on Tuesday night.
After the win over Aberdeen, O'Neill addressed the media and expressed his satisfaction with the new arrivals. "I’m very pleased that they’re in the door. I think they’ll definitely add something to us," he said.
He went on to comment on the overall state of the transfer window, noting that despite the loss of several players, the club had acted decisively. "Honestly I am pleased, the transfer window is there and I’m pleased that we have done what we have because there’s quite a few who have left the football club. Reo’s gone and Johnny Kenny has gone, I wish them all the best," O'Neill added, wishing the departing players well in their new endeavors. The six September signings follow earlier summer acquisitions, which included Camilo Duran, Kasper Hogh, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan.
Those additions laid the groundwork for a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, and the recent influx of talent demonstrates Celtic’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge both domestically and in Europe. While Celtic had been linked with a potential move for Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, that transfer did not materialise, leaving the club to focus on the players they successfully secured.
The new arrivals bring a blend of youth, experience, and versatility. Van den Berg offers creative midfield options, Lotomba provides defensive reliability on the right, Sorensen and Mheuka add depth in midfield and attack, while Johnstone and Emenalo increase competition for the goalkeeper and left‑back positions respectively. Beyond the immediate impact on the pitch, these signings also reflect Celtic’s broader strategy of scouting talent across Europe, integrating loan deals to assess fit, and signing promising youngsters to develop within the club’s philosophy.
The inclusion of players from the English Premier League system (Chelsea), the Dutch Eredivisie (PSV), and the Swiss Super League highlights a diversified recruitment approach. Fans can follow Celtic’s progress in the Scottish Premiership via live streams on platforms such as NOW and Sky Sports, with the club’s matches regularly broadcast.
The club also encourages supporters to engage with the team through various digital channels, including a dedicated video player that works best in Chrome for optimal accessibility. In summary, Celtic’s rapid acquisition of six new players ahead of the UEFA registration deadline underscores a proactive and ambitious transfer policy. By securing a mix of loan signings and permanent deals, the Hoops have reinforced key areas of the squad, addressed recent departures, and positioned themselves to compete effectively in both domestic league action and upcoming European challenges.