Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Early speculationDaily Mail FootballUnverified source· 28 Aug 2026
O'Neill: Celtic to spend big before deadline
Despite Champions League exit, Celtic's boss insists the club will invest heavily in the next five days.
Celtic
team
Manager
Martin O'Neill
Window closes
Thursday
Europa League opponents
Benfica, Marseille, Celta Vigo, Besiktas, Ferencvaros, Union SG, Omonia, Torreense
What happened. Martin O'Neill expects Celtic to strengthen their squad significantly before the transfer deadline, aiming to behave like a Champions League club despite missing out on the competition.
- Celtic failed to sign targets including Mahmic, Emenalo, Sigur, and Gineitis before the play-off.
- O'Neill prioritises a left-back cover for Kieran Tierney and a box-to-box midfielder.
- He believes Europa League football will still attract top recruits.
“I honestly think that is the club’s aim. We’ve brought in a couple of players that I think will do really fine for us.”
— Martin O'Neill
Celtic face a tough Europa League group, with home matches against Marseille and Celta Vigo.
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