In a 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 saw a mixture of loan deals, permanent contracts and youth signings, all aimed at bolstering the squad ahead of the crucial stages of the season. The first wave of arrivals came in the form of four loan signings that were finalized just before Celtic’s dominant 3‑0 victory over Aberdeen.
Among those joining on temporary deals were Danish midfielder Oliver Sørensen and Chelsea forward Shim Mheuka, both of whom were introduced to the first‑team environment as substitutes during the Premiership clash. Their debut appearances gave the manager an early glimpse of how they might fit into the team’s tactical plans. In addition to the loan players, Celtic confirmed two permanent acquisitions shortly after the Aberdeen match.
Nineteen‑year‑old Dutch midfielder Joel van den Berg, who had been developing at PSV Eindhoven, signed a four‑year contract with the Scottish giants. The club also secured the services of Swiss right‑back Jordan Lotomba, a 27‑year‑old who agreed to a deal lasting until the end of the current season. Both signings were completed just before the UEFA deadline of 23:00 GMT on Wednesday, ensuring their eligibility for upcoming European fixtures. The day’s activity was not limited to outfield players.
Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, currently on Wolves’ books, was listed among the substitutes, indicating Celtic’s intention to add depth to the last‑line position. Moreover, another young talent from Chelsea, 18‑year‑old left‑back Landon Emenalo, signed a contract but will require several weeks of rehabilitation before he can join training fully, due to an existing injury. Celtic’s recruitment drive also involved some strategic squad management.
On Tuesday night the club cleared additional roster space by confirming the permanent exits of forward Johnny Kenny, who moved to Preston North End, and midfielder Reo Hatate, who transferred to Burnley. These departures opened up the necessary slots for the incoming players and reflected a broader reshaping of the squad.
After the win over Aberdeen, manager Martin O’Neill addressed the media and expressed his satisfaction with the new arrivals. He said, “I’m very pleased that they’re in the door. I think they’ll definitely add something to us.” O’Neill went on to highlight the importance of the transfer window, noting that the club had acted decisively despite a number of departures. “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 six September signings follow earlier acquisitions made during the summer, which included Camilo Durán, Kasper Høgh, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan.
Together, these additions illustrate Celtic’s commitment to reinforcing the squad across multiple positions, ensuring depth for both domestic competition and European campaigns. While the club had been linked with a potential move for Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, that transfer ultimately did not materialise. Nevertheless, the successful completion of the six deals demonstrates Celtic’s ability to act swiftly when the window is closing, a trait that could prove vital as they aim to compete on multiple fronts. Fans looking to watch Celtic’s matches can stream the Scottish Premiership via NOW, and live coverage is also available on Sky Sports.
For those interested in a more accessible video experience, the club recommends using the Chrome browser. In summary, Celtic’s busy 24‑hour period saw the arrival of four loan players—Oliver Sørensen, Shim Mheuka, Sam Johnstone (as a backup option), and Landon Emenalo (though he is currently injured)—as well as two permanent signings, Joel van den Berg and Jordan Lotomba. The signings were finalized just before the UEFA registration deadline, allowing the club to field a strengthened squad for upcoming European fixtures.
The strategic departures of Johnny Kenny and Reo Hatate further streamlined the roster, giving manager Martin O’Neill a refreshed pool of talent to draw from as the season progresses. The club’s proactive approach in the transfer market, combined with its ongoing commitment to youth development and squad depth, positions Celtic well for the challenges ahead in both the Scottish Premiership and continental competition.