In a whirlwind 24‑hour period, Celtic completed a total of six new signings just before the UEFA registration cut‑off on Wednesday night. The flurry of activity saw the Scottish giants bolster their squad with a mixture of loan deals, permanent contracts and youth acquisitions, all aimed at reinforcing the team ahead of the demanding schedule that lies ahead. The first wave of arrivals came in the form of four loan players, secured in time for Celtic's 3‑0 triumph over Aberdeen.
Among those joining on temporary terms were Danish midfielder Oliver Sorensen and Chelsea forward Shim Mheuka, both of whom made their first appearances as substitutes during the Premiership clash. The loan signings also included Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who was listed among the bench options, and another young Chelsea prospect, left‑back Landon Emenalo.
Although Emenalo is still several weeks away from full fitness, his addition signals Celtic's intent to develop promising talent for the future. Shortly after the Aberdeen victory, Celtic confirmed two permanent acquisitions. Nineteen‑year‑old Dutch midfielder Joel van den Berg arrived from PSV Eindhoven on a four‑year contract, bringing technical ability and a keen eye for passing to the midfield engine room. At the same time, Swiss right‑back Jordan Lotomba signed a deal that runs until the end of the current season, adding depth and experience to the defensive line.
Both players were officially registered before the UEFA deadline of 11 p.m. on Wednesday, ensuring they are eligible for upcoming European fixtures. The club’s transfer activity did not stop there. Earlier in the week, Celtic cleared additional roster space by confirming the permanent departures of forward Johnny Kenny, who moved to Preston North End, and midfielder Reo Hatate, who joined Burnley.
These exits opened up valuable slots for the new arrivals and reflected a broader strategy of refreshing the squad after a busy summer window that saw the signings of Camilo Duran, Kasper Hogh, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan. Manager Martin O'Neill spoke positively about the influx of fresh faces following the win over Aberdeen.
"I’m very pleased that they’re in the door. I think they’ll definitely add something to us," O'Neill said. He went on to acknowledge the challenges of the transfer market, noting that the club had lost several players but was now in a stronger position. "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," he added. The timing of these signings is crucial. With the UEFA registration deadline looming, Celtic needed to ensure that all new players were eligible for the upcoming European campaign, whether in the Champions League qualifiers or the Europa League.
By completing the deals just before the 11 p.m. cutoff, the club secured the ability to field van den Berg and Lotomba in continental matches, while also having the loaned players available for domestic competitions. Beyond the immediate tactical benefits, the signings reflect Celtic’s broader vision of blending youth with experience. Van den Berg, at only nineteen, represents the next generation of midfield talent, while Lotomba brings a seasoned defensive mindset from his time in the Swiss league.
The loan additions, particularly the young Chelsea prospects, provide depth and competition for places, ensuring that the squad remains versatile and resilient over the long season. Fans can follow Celtic’s progress through various platforms.
The club encourages viewers to use Chrome for an optimal video‑player experience when watching live streams, and matches are broadcast on Sky Sports and the NOW streaming service. Additionally, the Scottish Premiership continues to be available for live viewing, offering supporters multiple ways to keep up with the team’s performances. In summary, Celtic’s rapid acquisition of six new players—four on loan and two on permanent deals—demonstrates a proactive approach to squad management ahead of a critical registration deadline.
The blend of young prospects and seasoned professionals aims to enhance the team’s competitiveness both domestically and in Europe, while the departures of Kenny and Hatate free up space for fresh talent. As the season unfolds, these strategic moves are expected to contribute significantly to Celtic’s ambitions of success on all fronts.