In a flurry of activity that spanned just over a single day, Celtic completed the registration of six new players ahead of the UEFA deadline that fell on Wednesday night. The club’s rapid recruitment drive saw a mixture of loan signings, permanent deals and youth prospects being added to the squad, all finalized before the 11:00 p.m. cut‑off for European competition eligibility. The first wave of arrivals came in the form of four loan acquisitions, all of which were confirmed prior to Celtic’s commanding 3‑0 victory over Aberdeen.
Among those brought in on temporary deals were Danish midfielder Oliver Sørensen and Chelsea striker Shim Mheuka, both of whom made their competitive debuts as substitutes during the Premiership clash. The loan signings also included Wolves’ goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who was listed among the matchday substitutes, and Chelsea’s 18‑year‑old left‑back Landon Emenalo, who, although signed, will require several weeks to regain full fitness before he can feature for the Hoops. Shortly after the Aberdeen game, Celtic announced two permanent additions. Nineteen‑year‑old midfielder Joel van den Berg arrived from PSV Eindhoven on a four‑year contract, while Swiss right‑back Jordan Lotomba, aged 27, signed a deal that runs until the end of the current season.
Both players were registered just before the UEFA deadline, ensuring they are eligible to feature in any upcoming European fixtures. The club’s transfer activity did not stop there.
Earlier in the week, Celtic cleared additional squad space by confirming the permanent departures of forward Johnny Kenny, who moved to Preston, and midfielder Reo Hatate, who joined Burnley. These exits opened up the necessary registration slots for the new signings and underscored the club’s ongoing reshaping of the roster. Manager Martin O’Neill, speaking after the win over Aberdeen, expressed satisfaction with the new arrivals. “I’m very pleased that they’re in the door.
I think they’ll definitely add something to us,” O’Neill said. He added that the timing of the signings was crucial, noting, “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 September signings build on the earlier summer acquisitions that saw Celtic bring in Camilo Durán, Kasper Høgh, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan. Together, these additions reflect a strategic effort to bolster depth across the pitch, from defensive solidity to attacking options, as the club aims to compete on multiple fronts 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 who ultimately completed their paperwork before the deadline. The successful registration of van den Berg and Lotomba ensures that Celtic will have fresh talent available for upcoming UEFA matches, a critical factor as the team seeks to progress further in continental competition. Fans looking to follow Celtic’s progress can stream the Scottish Premiership via NOW or watch live coverage on Sky Sports. The club also encourages supporters to engage with its digital platforms, noting that a Chrome browser provides the most accessible video player experience for live streams.
Beyond the immediate impact of the new signings, the influx of players offers a longer‑term benefit: increased competition for places within the squad, which can drive performance levels higher across the board. Young prospects like van den Berg bring a blend of technical skill and developmental potential, while seasoned professionals such as Lotomba contribute experience and leadership in the defensive line. Celtic’s proactive approach to the transfer market demonstrates a clear intent to remain competitive on all fronts. By securing both short‑term loan solutions and longer‑term contracts, the club has positioned itself to adapt to injuries, rotation needs, and the rigors of a demanding season schedule.
The strategic timing of these moves, all completed just before the UEFA registration deadline, highlights the efficiency of the club’s recruitment department and the importance placed on meeting European eligibility requirements. Overall, the six new faces in the Celtic locker room represent a blend of youth, experience, and positional variety that should enhance the team’s depth and flexibility. As the season progresses, supporters will be eager to see how these players integrate into Martin O’Neill’s tactical plans and contribute to the club’s ambitions both in the Scottish Premiership and on the European stage.