In an intensive 24‑hour window, Celtic managed to add six fresh faces to their squad just before the UEFA registration cut‑off on Wednesday night. The flurry of activity saw the Hoops bring in a mixture of loan signings and permanent deals, bolstering several areas of the team ahead of a crucial period in the Scottish Premiership. The first wave arrived as loan acquisitions, timed to coincide with Celtic's commanding 3‑0 victory over Aberdeen.
Among those joining on temporary deals were Danish midfielder Oliver Sorensen and Chelsea forward Shim Mheuka, both of whom were introduced as substitutes during the match. Their impact was immediate, providing fresh energy off the bench and demonstrating the depth that manager Martin O'Neill hopes to exploit as the season progresses. Following the win, Celtic confirmed two permanent additions.
Nineteen‑year‑old Dutch midfielder Joel van den Berg, a product of PSV Eindhoven’s academy, signed a four‑year contract, signalling the club’s intent to invest in young talent with a proven technical pedigree. At the same time, Swiss right‑back Jordan Lotomba, aged 27, agreed to a deal lasting until the end of the current campaign, offering experience and stability to the defensive line. The club also secured the services of Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who was listed among the matchday substitutes, and Chelsea’s 18‑year‑old left‑back Landon Emenalo, although the latter will need several weeks to regain full fitness before he can contribute on the pitch.
Both signings were finalized just before the UEFA deadline of 11 p.m. on Wednesday, ensuring they are eligible for European competition. While the new arrivals generated excitement, Celtic also experienced notable departures. On Tuesday night, the squad was trimmed as forward Johnny Kenny moved to Preston North End and midfielder Reo Hatate transferred to Burnley.
These exits opened additional roster spots, allowing the club to accommodate the incoming players without breaching squad size regulations. Speaking after the Aberdeen triumph, O'Neill expressed satisfaction with the rapid recruitment drive. “I’m very pleased that they’re in the door.
I think they’ll definitely add something to us,” he said, highlighting the immediate value he expects from the newcomers. He also reflected on the broader transfer window, noting the balance between arrivals and departures: “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.” The six signings this September build on the earlier summer acquisitions of Camilo Duran, Kasper Hogh, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan, illustrating Celtic’s strategy of blending youthful prospects with seasoned professionals.
By securing both loan and permanent deals, the club aims to maintain flexibility while also laying foundations for future success. In addition to the on‑field considerations, Celtic’s management has been mindful of compliance with UEFA’s registration rules, which require clubs to submit a finalized list of eligible players by a set deadline.
The timing of the signings—just before the 11 p.m. cutoff—ensures that all six newcomers can be registered for upcoming European fixtures, a crucial factor as Celtic looks to compete on multiple fronts.
Fans looking to follow the action can stream the Scottish Premiership through various platforms, including NOW and Sky Sports, which provide live coverage of Celtic’s matches. The club’s recent activity has generated buzz among supporters, who are eager to see how the new players integrate into the team’s tactical setup under O’Neill’s guidance.
Overall, Celtic’s aggressive recruitment in a short span underscores the club’s commitment to strengthening the squad ahead of a demanding schedule. With fresh talent arriving from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, and England, the Hoops are poised to add depth, versatility, and renewed competition for places, all while adhering to UEFA’s registration timeline. The upcoming weeks will reveal how these signings influence Celtic’s performance in both domestic league play and European competition.