In a whirlwind 24‑hour period, Celtic completed a total of six signings just before the UEFA registration cut‑off on Wednesday night. The club’s activity spanned loan deals, permanent contracts and even a few players who will need time to regain full fitness, underscoring the urgency with which the Hoops have bolstered their squad ahead of the crucial registration deadline. The first wave of arrivals came in the form of four loan signings that were confirmed before Celtic’s dominant 3‑0 victory over Aberdeen. Among those loaned in were Danish midfielder Oliver Sørensen and Chelsea striker Shim Mheuka, both of whom made their first appearances off the bench during the Scottish Premiership encounter.
Their introductions added fresh energy to the match and gave manager Martin O'Neill a glimpse of the options now available to him in midfield and attack. In addition to the loan players, Celtic secured the services of two young permanent signings shortly after the Aberdeen game. Nineteen‑year‑old Dutch midfielder Joel van den Berg, who arrived from PSV Eindhoven, signed a four‑year contract, signalling the club’s intent to develop talent from the continent.
At the same time, Swiss right‑back Jordan Lotomba, aged 27, agreed to a deal that runs until the end of the current season, providing immediate defensive depth on the flank. The squad’s depth was further enhanced by the presence of Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on the bench for the Aberdeen match, and by the signing of another 18‑year‑old Chelsea prospect, left‑back Landon Emenalo. Although Emenalo’s signing was confirmed, he will be sidelined for several weeks as he works back to full fitness, meaning his impact will be felt later in the season. Both permanent signings – van den Berg and Lotomba – were finalized just before the UEFA deadline of 11 p.m.
on Wednesday, ensuring they are eligible for European competition. This timing was crucial for Celtic, as the club aims to field a robust squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, including the domestic league, the Scottish Cup, and European fixtures. The club’s transfer activity also included a failed pursuit; Celtic were linked with Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, but the move did not materialise. Nonetheless, the six new faces join a roster that already saw the departure of Johnny Kenny and Reo Hatate, who left for Preston North End and Burnley respectively on Tuesday night, freeing up additional squad slots.
After the win over Aberdeen, manager Martin O'Neill 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 emphasized the importance of the transfer window and the need to replace outgoing talent. "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. These signings follow earlier summer acquisitions, which included Camilo Durán, Kasper Høgh, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan. The September influx brings the total number of new players added to the squad this season to ten, reflecting a strategic approach to squad depth and versatility.
Celtic’s aggressive recruitment strategy highlights the club’s ambition to remain competitive domestically while also making a strong impression in Europe. By securing a mix of youthful prospects and experienced professionals, the Hoops aim to blend energy with reliability, ensuring they have the personnel needed to navigate the congested fixture schedule that lies ahead.
Fans can follow Celtic’s progress through various platforms, including live streaming options on NOW and Sky Sports, which broadcast Scottish Premiership matches. The club also encourages supporters to engage with interactive experiences such as the Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win a £1 million prize. Overall, the six signings completed within a single day underscore Celtic’s proactive approach to squad management, demonstrating a clear commitment to both immediate performance and long‑term development as they prepare for the challenges of the season ahead.