Martin O'Neill expressed satisfaction with Celtic's activity in the transfer market, while Derek McInnes asserted that he finally has the type of dressing‑room environment he has long wanted at Rangers. Celtic completed six of their ten summer signings in the final two days before the window shut, and McInnes added two more deadline‑day arrivals, bringing the total number of newcomers at Ibrox to fourteen. Among the late arrivals, Dutch midfielder Joel van den Berg moved from PSV Eindhoven and Swiss right‑back Jordan Lotomba joined from Feyenoord just before the UEFA registration deadline on Wednesday night.
Celtic also secured loan deals for Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, Parma midfielder Oliver Sorensen and two 18‑year‑old Chelsea prospects, Shim Mheuka and Landon Emenalo. Because UEFA limits the size of its competition squads, the Chelsea loanees and van den Berg were omitted from Celtic's Europa League list. "I’m delighted to have new players in the squad," O'Neill said.
"I’m genuinely happy with what we have managed to bring in. The only difficulty is that the UEFA list is very restrictive, so some young lads will be disappointed not to make that particular squad. There are only so many places available. If we can keep our senior players fit and avoid long‑term injuries, then I’ll consider the window a success." While Celtic's rivals in the Scottish Premiership had largely finished their business earlier, the Glasgow giants were still looking to plug obvious gaps, such as finding a backup for the injured left‑back Kieran Tierney after the club's exit from the Champions League.
When pressed about the timing of the deals, O'Neill replied, "How many times do you want to ask me that? We started negotiating back in July, so I’m pleased with the players we now have. Ideally we would have signed them earlier to give them time to settle, but it doesn’t matter – I’m really happy with the squad we’ve assembled." He was also asked whether he regretted missing out on Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis.
The 74‑year‑old manager answered, "No, I’m completely satisfied with the options we have at the moment. It’s not a problem." Lotomba’s contract runs only until the end of the season, and O'Neill admitted that loan signings can be a double‑edged sword. "Sometimes I worry that a loanee may not see the club as a long‑term destination," he said, noting that he will be without Tierney and Kasper Høgh for the upcoming match against St Mirren.
"But we have also had loan players who fell in love with the club – Julian Araujo, for example, gave his all last season. So you never know. Loans can be a concern, but it really depends on the individual." Turning to Rangers, McInnes confessed that he "took a huge sigh of relief" when the transfer window finally closed on Thursday night.
Rangers' new arrivals included 22‑year‑old Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy, who signed an initial four‑year deal with an optional fifth year in a transaction reported to be worth around £9.5 million. Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani arrived on a season‑long loan from Stuttgart, and both forwards were named in the squad for the upcoming Scottish Premiership clash with Motherwell. "We all breathed a massive sigh of relief when the window shut and now we can focus on the work ahead," McInnes said, adding that left‑back Tuur Rommens is expected to return to full training between the two upcoming games against Celtic after recovering from a groin strain. He described the transfer period as feeling "like a war" – perhaps the longest and most complex window of his managerial career.
"There is always so much to consider. At Rangers I don’t want players who are constantly looking over their shoulders, always planning their next move. I want men who want to stay, who want to grow here and help the club succeed." McInnes highlighted the club's capacity to offer players and staff memorable experiences and opportunities.
"I just want everyone to commit fully to the club, to give their all. The players deserve that dedication, and they deserve each other – we need that tight bond and cohesion." He praised the recent atmosphere in the dressing‑room, saying it feels like the kind of environment he expects in his own teams. "The humour, the togetherness, the way we work – it’s exactly what I would want to see.
That spirit is vital when you face adversity and tough results. We’ve already bounced back with two impressive away victories at Falkirk and Aberdeen." The manager stressed that this camaraderie is essential for navigating difficult periods.
"A united dressing‑room helps you get through the hard times, and you need that at any club, but especially here. Our group is very young, which is exciting because of the potential, but it also means there are many lessons to learn. It’s our job to help these youngsters realise their talent in a Rangers shirt, day in and day out." He concluded with a clear message for his squad: "I don’t want anyone squandering their minutes or opportunities.
Whether you’re selected or training, treat every day as if it matters. We will not accept lazy attitudes. Every session must be approached with motivation and professionalism, as if you’re fighting for a place in the team on Saturday." In summary, both Celtic and Rangers have navigated a hectic transfer window, each manager expressing contentment with the outcomes.
O'Neill is pleased with the depth and quality of his new signings despite UEFA squad constraints, while McInnes feels he finally has the cohesive, committed dressing‑room he has long desired, reinforced by strategic acquisitions and a renewed sense of unity heading into the next phase of the season.