Martin O'Neill expressed genuine satisfaction with the way Celtic have handled their recent transfer activity, and Derek McInnes insisted that the environment he now enjoys at Rangers is exactly the one he has long wanted. Both managers spoke about the final days of the summer window, the composition of their squads and the challenges of integrating new faces. Celtic completed ten signings this summer, and six of those deals were only confirmed in the last 48 hours before the deadline. The club also secured a pair of deadline‑day arrivals, bringing the total number of fresh faces at Celtic to fourteen.
Among the most notable additions were Dutch midfielder Joel van den Berg, who arrived from PSV Eindhoven, and Swiss right‑back Jordan Lotomba, who made the switch from Feyenoord just before UEFA’s registration cut‑off on Wednesday night. In addition to the permanent transfers, Celtic arranged several loan moves. They brought in Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, Parma midfielder Oliver Sorensen, and two 18‑year‑old prospects from Chelsea – Shim Mheuka and Landon Emenalo.
Because UEFA limits the number of players that can be registered for the Europa League, the Chelsea loanees and van den Berg were omitted from the continental squad, a decision that left some younger players disappointed. "I’m delighted to get players," O'Neill said, smiling.
"I’m genuinely pleased with what we have managed to bring in. The only difficulty is that you have to look at the UEFA list – there are only so many places, and some of the younger lads will be upset that they can’t make that specific squad.
But as long as we keep our squad healthy and avoid serious injuries, I consider the window a success." While Celtic’s rivals in the Scottish Premiership had largely finished their business before the final week, the Glasgow giants were still addressing clear gaps, such as finding a reliable backup for the injured left‑back Kieran Tierney after the team’s Champions League campaign ended. When asked about the timing of the signings, O'Neill replied, "How many times are you going to ask me that each week?
We started this process back in July, so I’m happy with the players we have now. Ideally we would have brought them in earlier to give them time to settle, but it doesn’t matter – I’m really happy with the squad we’ve assembled." The manager was also asked whether he regretted missing out on Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis.
The 74‑year‑old O'Neill shrugged it off, saying, "No, I’m really pleased with what we have at this moment. It’s not a problem." Lotomba’s deal runs only until the end of the season, and O'Neill admitted he sometimes worries about loan players who may not see the club as their long‑term destination. He cited the example of Julian Araujo, who embraced Celtic wholeheartedly last season and gave everything for the badge. "Loans can be a concern, but it depends on the individual player," O'Neill concluded.
Across the border, Rangers manager Derek McInnes let slip that he exhaled a huge sigh of relief when the transfer window finally shut on Thursday evening. The club added several high‑profile signings, most notably 22‑year‑old Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy from the Portland Timbers, who signed a four‑year contract with an optional fifth year in a deal reported to be worth around £9.5 million. Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani arrived on a season‑long loan from Stuttgart, and both newcomers were named in the squad for the upcoming Scottish Premiership clash with Motherwell.
"We all took a massive sigh of relief when the window closed yesterday and now we can get on with the job in hand," McInnes said. He also confirmed that left‑back Tuur Rommens, who has been nursing a groin strain, will return to full training between the two forthcoming matches against Celtic. The Rangers boss described the window as feeling like "a war" – the longest and most complex he has ever experienced. He emphasized that he does not want players who are constantly looking over their shoulders for the next move.
"I want men who want to be here, who want to stay at the club for a while and achieve success together. This club can offer a lot of opportunities and memorable moments for players, managers and everyone involved. I just want us to commit fully to the club, to focus on the task at hand, and to respect the fact that the club and the players both deserve that commitment." McInnes praised the atmosphere inside the Rangers dressing room over the past couple of weeks, describing it as "a real football dressing room" – full of humour, togetherness and a work ethic that matches his expectations. He believes that this camaraderie is vital when the team faces adversity or disappointing results.
The manager highlighted the recent bounce‑back victories at Falkirk and Aberdeen as proof that the collective spirit can overcome tough periods. "That spirit and togetherness helps you get through difficult times, and you need that at any club, but particularly here," he said. "We have a very young dressing room, which is exciting because of the potential, but there are also many lessons for these youngsters. It is our job to help them fulfil that potential day in, day out, wearing the Rangers shirt." He added a clear message for the squad: "I want the players not to waste any minutes or opportunities.
Whether you are selected or training, never treat a day as a lazy day. We will not accept sub‑standard practice. Every day must count. Train with motivation, professionalism, and as if you are trying to earn a place in the team for Saturday." In summary, both O'Neill and McInnes conveyed optimism about the players they have added, acknowledging the constraints of UEFA registration rules and the inevitable challenges of integrating new talent.
While Celtic continue to fine‑tune their roster after a busy final push, Rangers appear to have achieved a sense of stability and unity that the manager believes will serve them well throughout the season.