In an intense flurry of activity that spanned just over a single day, Celtic managed to secure six new players before the UEFA registration cut‑off on Wednesday night. The club’s rapid recruitment drive was timed to coincide with their 3‑0 triumph over Aberdeen, and it saw a mixture of loan deals, permanent contracts and youth prospects added to the roster.
The first wave of arrivals came in the form of four loanees who were brought in to bolster the squad for the Scottish Premiership clash. Among these temporary signings were Danish midfielder Oliver Sørensen and Chelsea forward Shim Mheuka, both of whom made their Celtic debuts as substitutes during the match against the Dons. The loan roster also featured Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on the bench, providing additional cover between the posts. Another young talent, 18‑year‑old Chelsea left‑back Landon Emenalo, signed a contract but will need several weeks to regain full fitness before he can compete for a place.
Following the victory, Celtic confirmed two more permanent acquisitions. Nineteen‑year‑old Dutch midfielder Joel van den Berg, who had been developing at PSV Eindhoven, arrived on a four‑year deal, bringing technical ability and a fresh perspective to the midfield.
Swiss right‑back Jordan Lotomba, aged 27, also signed a contract that runs until the end of the current season, adding experience and defensive solidity to the back line. Both van den Berg and Lotomba completed their registrations just before the UEFA deadline of 11 p.m.
on Wednesday, ensuring they are eligible for upcoming European fixtures. The club had previously been linked with Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, but that potential move fell through, leaving the focus squarely on the six players who successfully joined the squad. Celtic’s squad management did not stop at incoming talent.
On Tuesday night the club cleared additional space by confirming the permanent departures of forward Johnny Kenny, who moved to Preston, and midfielder Reo Hatate, who transferred to Burnley. These exits opened up further opportunities for the new signings to integrate into the first‑team environment. Manager Martin O’Neill expressed satisfaction with the rapid sign‑on process in his post‑match interview. "I’m very pleased that they’re in the door.
I think they’ll definitely add something to us," O’Neill said, emphasizing the importance of fresh faces after a busy window that saw several players leave. He added, "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 September signings build on the earlier summer acquisitions of Camilo Durán, Kasper Høgh, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan, illustrating Celtic’s commitment to refreshing the squad across multiple positions. By blending youthful prospects like van den Berg and Emenalo with seasoned professionals such as Lotomba and Johnstone, the club aims to create a balanced team capable of competing on both domestic and European fronts.
Beyond the immediate impact on the pitch, these transfers reflect a strategic approach to squad depth. The loan deals provide short‑term solutions and allow the club to assess players in a competitive environment without long‑term financial commitments. Meanwhile, permanent contracts signal a longer‑term vision, particularly with van den Berg’s four‑year deal indicating confidence in his development trajectory. Celtic supporters can look forward to seeing the new arrivals integrate during training sessions and upcoming matches.
The addition of a versatile midfielder, a reliable right‑back, and additional goalkeeping options should give manager O’Neill more tactical flexibility. As the team prepares for the next round of UEFA competition, the freshly registered players will be eligible to feature, potentially adding fresh energy to Celtic’s European campaign.
For fans wishing to follow Celtic’s progress, live streams of the Scottish Premiership are available through platforms such as NOW and Sky Sports. The club’s recent activity underscores a proactive stance in the transfer market, ensuring that the squad remains competitive and adaptable as the season unfolds.
Overall, Celtic’s six new signings—four on loan and two on permanent deals—represent a decisive push to strengthen the roster ahead of critical fixtures. With the UEFA registration deadline met, the club is poised to field a refreshed lineup that blends youth, experience, and positional depth, aiming to achieve success both at home and in Europe.