Celtic’s preparations for a demanding season have been complicated by a series of developments that have forced manager Martin O’Neill to reassess the balance of his squad.
The departure of Arne Engels to West Ham has removed an important midfield option, while Alistair Johnston’s injury has created another concern at right-back. At the same time, Celtic are attempting to strengthen in several areas as they prepare for domestic competition and the demands of European football.
The situation illustrates one of the biggest challenges facing any ambitious club during the transfer window. It is one thing to identify weaknesses and recruit players to improve the squad. It is another when important players leave or suffer injuries at almost the same time.
O’Neill had previously made clear that Celtic wanted to keep their key players while adding quality to the squad. However, he also acknowledged that retaining everyone would be extremely difficult when players attract interest from clubs in bigger leagues.
Now, with Engels moving on and Johnston facing a period on the sidelines, the need for additional recruitment has become even more pressing.
Engels’ Departure Changes Celtic’s Midfield
Arne Engels’ exit represents one of the most significant changes to Celtic’s squad. The Belgian midfielder joined Celtic from Augsburg in 2024 and developed into an important member of the team. His technical ability, energy and versatility gave the club another option in midfield, while his experience at a young age suggested that he could continue developing into an even more influential player.
West Ham eventually completed a reported £22 million deal for Engels, with the player agreeing a five-year contract with the option of another year. The transfer also represented a record deal for a Championship club.
For Celtic, the financial return is significant.
However, replacing the player on the pitch is a different challenge.
A transfer fee can compensate the club financially, but it does not automatically replace the qualities that Engels provided.
O’Neill Wanted Him to Stay
O’Neill has been open about his disappointment at losing Engels.
The manager had hoped the midfielder would remain at Celtic, particularly with important Champions League matches approaching.
However, O’Neill also recognised the attraction of playing in English football.
Engels had previously attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, who made a significant approach during the winter window. Celtic rejected that proposal, but the midfielder remained a player whose performances were attracting attention.
When West Ham returned with a serious opportunity, Celtic found themselves facing a familiar problem.
A player can be important to the club while also having ambitions that extend beyond Scottish football.
O’Neill’s comments suggest that Celtic understood the situation even if they were disappointed by the outcome.
The Timing Creates an Extra Problem
The timing of Engels’ departure makes the situation particularly interesting.
Celtic are not entering a quiet period.
They are competing domestically while also preparing for European qualification, where squad depth can become critical.
Losing a midfielder shortly before important matches means the replacement must ideally be integrated quickly.
That is easier said than done.
A new signing needs to understand the manager’s tactical instructions, build relationships with teammates and adapt to the intensity of competitive matches.
The club therefore faces a balancing act between finding the right player and finding that player quickly enough.
Johnston’s Injury Adds to the Concern
The situation became even more complicated with the injury suffered by Alistair Johnston.
The Canada international has been an important figure at right-back since arriving at Celtic.
His performances for club and country have enhanced his reputation, and his involvement with Canada at the World Cup has added to his profile.
Recent reports indicate that Johnston is facing a number of weeks out with a hamstring-related injury.
That means Celtic now have to think about the position from a different perspective.
The issue is no longer simply whether Johnston could leave.
The immediate concern is making sure there is enough quality available while he recovers.
Defensive Depth Becomes Essential
Johnston’s absence highlights why squad depth is so important.
Celtic can use Anthony Ralston in the position, while young defender Colby Donovan has also impressed when given opportunities.
However, the demands of the season could require more options.
A club competing on multiple fronts cannot assume that one replacement will be enough.
There may be periods when injuries affect several positions simultaneously.
There may also be suspensions and fixture congestion.
European football creates additional demands that make depth even more important.
For O’Neill, therefore, the question is not simply who can replace Johnston for a few matches.
It is whether Celtic have enough quality to maintain their standards throughout the entire campaign.
Everton Interest Had Already Added Uncertainty
Before the injury, Johnston’s future had already attracted attention.
Everton had made contact regarding the defender, with manager David Moyes speaking to O’Neill about the possibility of interest. At the time, Celtic were determined to retain their player.
The injury changes the context.
A potential transfer is one issue.
Replacing an injured player is another.
If Celtic were already concerned about depth at right-back, Johnston’s absence makes the need for recruitment even more obvious.
That is why reports of interest in alternative right-backs have emerged.
Celtic Must Avoid Losing Their Balance
The club’s recruitment strategy must now address two different objectives.
First, Celtic need to replace qualities that have disappeared from the squad.
Second, they need to strengthen areas that were already considered priorities.
That creates a risk of recruitment becoming reactive.
A club can easily become focused on replacing departures rather than improving the overall squad.
O’Neill will need to ensure that new signings fit the broader plan.
The objective should not simply be to replace Engels with another midfielder or Johnston with another full-back.
The new players should ideally make Celtic stronger overall.
Mika Baur Offers Midfield Reinforcement
Celtic have already moved to strengthen midfield with the signing of Mika Baur.
The midfielder arrived from Paderborn for a reported £4.5 million and has already provided evidence that he can bring stability to the centre of the pitch.
Baur’s arrival was important even before Engels departed.
Now, his role becomes even more significant.
The club will need him to settle quickly and help compensate for the loss of another midfield option.
However, relying on one new arrival to solve every midfield problem would be unrealistic.
Additional recruitment could still be necessary.
Reo Hatate’s Situation Adds Another Layer
The midfield picture is also complicated by uncertainty surrounding Reo Hatate.
Hatate has been an important player for Celtic during his time at the club, but his future has attracted interest from elsewhere.
Recent reporting indicates that there has been interest in the Japan international, although no concrete offer had been confirmed at the time of the reports.
If Hatate were also to leave, Celtic’s midfield requirements would become considerably greater.
That is why O’Neill will be keen to understand exactly who will remain before the transfer window closes.
O’Neill Wants Quality, Not Just Numbers
One of the clearest themes from O’Neill’s comments is that Celtic are seeking quality.
The manager has indicated that the club wants to add players capable of improving the squad.
That distinction matters.
There is little value in signing players simply to increase the number of bodies available.
Celtic are competing at a level where every new arrival needs to contribute.
The club wants players who can compete for starting positions and provide reliable alternatives from the bench.
European Football Raises the Stakes
The importance of recruitment becomes even greater when Champions League football is involved.
European competition demands a deeper squad because the schedule becomes more intense.
Players may need to perform at a high level against opponents with different tactical approaches.
There is also less room for mistakes.
A domestic season can sometimes allow a team to recover from a poor result.
A European qualifying tie can be decided by one difficult night.
Celtic therefore need players capable of handling pressure.
The Positive Side of Celtic’s Recruitment
Despite the difficulties, Celtic’s recent recruitment has provided reasons for optimism.
The club has already strengthened its attacking options with players including Kasper Høgh and Camilo Durán.
Both have been brought in with the intention of increasing the team’s attacking quality.
Høgh has already attracted attention for his link play, while Durán has shown energy and finishing ability.
Mika Baur has added another midfield option.
Those additions suggest Celtic are not starting from scratch.
The problem is that departures and injuries have created new gaps.
Høgh and Durán Could Change the Attack
The attacking reinforcements give O’Neill more tactical possibilities.
Having different types of forwards allows a manager to change the team’s approach.
A striker can provide a physical presence.
Another attacker can offer pace.
A creative player can operate between the lines.
This variety is valuable against opponents who defend in different ways.
O’Neill has already indicated that he wants Celtic to remain flexible rather than becoming too predictable.
That philosophy could become increasingly important as the season progresses.
Young Players Could Get Opportunities
Johnston’s injury also creates an opportunity for younger players.
Colby Donovan has already demonstrated that he can contribute, particularly during Celtic’s recent European campaign.
Young players often benefit from opportunities created by injuries.
However, the club must be careful.
There is a difference between giving a promising player a chance and expecting him to carry the responsibilities of an established international.
Young players need support.
They need experienced teammates around them.
They also need the freedom to make mistakes and learn.
Ralston Provides Experience
Anthony Ralston is another important part of the equation.
His familiarity with Celtic and experience at the club give O’Neill a reliable option.
That stability can be valuable during a period of transition.
However, relying heavily on one player for an extended period can create another problem.
If Ralston becomes unavailable, Celtic would have fewer natural options.
This is why additional recruitment remains sensible.
The Transfer Window Is a Balancing Act
Celtic’s situation illustrates how unpredictable transfer windows can become.
At one stage, the club may believe its squad is almost complete.
Then a major offer arrives for an important player.
An injury can follow.
Suddenly, positions that appeared secure become areas of concern.
The best clubs anticipate these possibilities.
They maintain lists of potential targets and monitor the market throughout the summer.
O’Neill’s comments suggest Celtic have been preparing for exactly this kind of scenario.
The Club Had Expected Departures
O’Neill had previously acknowledged that he expected some of Celtic’s leading players to attract attention.
That was partly because of their performances and partly because of the ambitions of the players themselves.
The manager understood that Celtic could not realistically prevent every player from seeking opportunities elsewhere.
His task was therefore to prepare for both possibilities.
Ideally, important players would stay.
If they did not, replacements would be required.
That is now happening with Engels.
Financial Strength Gives Celtic Options
Celtic’s financial position gives the club an advantage in the transfer market.
The money received from major player sales can be reinvested.
The club also has the potential financial rewards associated with Champions League qualification.
Reports have suggested that Celtic could be close to securing a major financial boost if they progress into the competition proper.
That could provide additional flexibility.
However, financial strength should be used intelligently.
Spending money quickly does not guarantee better recruitment.
The Need for a Right-Back
The Johnston injury makes the right-back position one of the most obvious areas for consideration.
Reports have linked Celtic with players including Yuki Sugawara and Niko Sigur as possible solutions.
Whether either deal materialises remains to be seen.
What is clear is that Celtic cannot afford to leave the position dangerously thin.
European matches could expose any weakness.
Midfield Recruitment Is Just as Important
The centre of midfield may be an even more complicated issue.
Engels has left.
Hatate’s future is uncertain.
Other players have moved on loan.
Celtic need enough options to control matches.
They need players who can defend, create and maintain possession.
Gvidas Gineitis has been linked as one potential target, while Ermin Mahmic has also reportedly attracted Celtic’s attention.
The club’s recruitment team therefore appears to be considering multiple solutions.
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