Martin O'Neill expressed satisfaction with the recent activity in Celtic's transfer market, and Derek McInnes asserted that he finally possesses the kind of dressing‑room culture he has long desired at Rangers. Celtic completed six of their ten summer signings within the final two days of the transfer window, and McInnes added two more deadline‑day acquisitions, bringing the total number of new faces at Ibrox to fourteen. The Dutch midfielder Joel van den Berg arrived from PSV Eindhoven, while Swiss full‑back Jordan Lotomba made the switch from Feyenoord just before the UEFA registration deadline on Wednesday night.
In addition, Celtic secured loan deals for Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, Parma midfielder Oliver Sorensen, and two 18‑year‑old Chelsea prospects, Shim Mheuka and Landon Emenalo. Because of the limited slots available on the Europa League roster, the Chelsea loanees and van den Berg were omitted from that competition’s squad list. "I’m delighted to have added players," O'Neill said. "I’m genuinely pleased.
The only tricky part is the UEFA list – some of the younger lads will be disappointed not to make that particular squad because there are only so many places. If we can keep our squad healthy and avoid long‑term injuries, I’ll be happy." While Celtic’s league rivals had already done the bulk of their business before the final week, the Glasgow side were still looking to fill clear gaps, such as finding a backup for the injured left‑back Kieran Tierney after the club’s exit from the Champions League.
When questioned about the timing of the deals, O'Neill replied, "How many times do you want to hear that? We started this process back in July, so I’m satisfied with the players we now have.
Ideally we would have signed them earlier to give them time to settle, but it doesn’t matter – I’m truly happy with the squad we’ve assembled." He was also asked whether he regretted missing out on Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis. The 74‑year‑old manager answered, "No, I’m very pleased with the group we have at the moment.
It’s not an issue." Lotomba’s contract runs only until the end of the season, and O'Neill admitted that loan signings can sometimes be a cause for concern. "I sometimes worry that loan players may not view the club as their long‑term home," he said, noting that he will be without Tierney and Kasper Høgh for the upcoming match against St Mirren. "But we have also had loanees who embraced the club wholeheartedly – Julian Araujo, for example, gave his all for us last season. Loans are a mixed bag; it really depends on the individual." McInnes, for his part, confessed that he "let out a huge sigh of relief" when the window finally shut on Thursday evening.
Rangers confirmed the arrival of 22‑year‑old Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy from the Portland Timbers on a four‑year deal with an optional fifth year, a transfer reported to be worth roughly £9.5 million. Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani also joined on a season‑long loan from Stuttgart, and both newcomers are expected to feature in the Scottish Premiership clash with Motherwell on Saturday. "We all breathed a massive sigh of relief when the window closed yesterday and now we can focus on the work ahead," McInnes said.
He added that left‑back Tuur Rommens will return to full training between the two upcoming Celtic fixtures after recovering from a groin strain. "It feels like I’ve been at war this window – the longest and most exhausting I’ve ever experienced. There’s always so much to weigh up.
At Rangers I don’t want players who are constantly looking over their shoulders, always eyeing the next move. I want men who want to stay, who want to build something here and succeed together." He highlighted the club’s capacity to offer opportunities and memorable moments for both players and staff, stressing the need for collective commitment.
"The club deserves that focus, the players deserve each other, and we need that tight bond. The dressing‑room over the past couple of weeks has been incredibly strong and united.
It truly feels like a football dressing‑room – the humour, the camaraderie, the work ethic – exactly what I expect from my squads." McInnes noted that this unity is crucial when the team faces adversity and tough results. "We bounced back well with two away wins against Falkirk and Aberdeen.
That spirit and togetherness help you get through difficult periods, and you need that at any club, but especially here." He also spoke about the youthful nature of the squad: "We have a very young dressing‑room, which is exciting and full of potential, but there are also many lessons for these youngsters. It’s our job to help them realise that potential day in, day out while wearing the Rangers shirt." The manager urged the players not to waste any minute of training or match time.
"Whether you’re in the starting XI or on the bench, don’t treat any day as a lazy one. We will not tolerate sub‑par practice. Every day must count.
Train with motivation, professionalism, and as if you’re trying to earn a place for Saturday’s match." In summary, O'Neill’s contentment with Celtic’s signings and McInnes’s confidence in the newly‑formed Rangers squad underscore a period of strategic rebuilding for both clubs. While Celtic continue to fine‑tune their roster ahead of European competition, Rangers appear to have secured a blend of experienced signings and promising loanees that, according to McInnes, should foster a cohesive and ambitious environment for the season ahead.