Celtic’s domestic form has offered encouragement, but their European campaign has exposed questions about the balance of Martin O’Neill’s squad. The Scottish champions have lost their first three Europa League league-phase fixtures, leaving little room for further mistakes.
A 7-1 victory over Hearts displayed Celtic’s attacking threat, yet domestic results cannot disguise the demands of European football. O’Neill needs dependable options across the pitch, particularly when injuries and suspensions disrupt his preferred starting XI.
Summer recruitment brought significant changes to the squad. Celtic signed striker Kasper Høgh for a reported £11 million and added winger Haissem Hassan, while several late arrivals expanded their options. However, the departures of Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate reduced the squad’s established quality in key areas.
Those sales reportedly generated a net transfer surplus of £35.5 million, although Celtic must balance that figure against their recruitment costs and other financial commitments. The late arrivals offered additional depth, but integrating new players takes time, particularly when the manager needs immediate consistency in European competition.
Callum McGregor remains central to Celtic’s midfield structure. The captain provides positional discipline and helps the team move possession forward, yet relying heavily on one player creates obvious risks across a demanding season. Mika Baur, Joël van den Berg and Oliver Sørensen provide midfield alternatives, although the squad still needs a specialist defensive presence.
According to Celts Are Here, Celtic continue to prioritise a defensive midfielder for January while assessing centre-backs to address defensive absences. Recruitment chief Tam Mullen faces the task of finding players who can contribute immediately rather than requiring months of adaptation.
Does Celtic’s January recruitment expose a failure in summer planning?
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 18: Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic, gestures before the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on October 18, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Celtic’s reported priorities look like a tactical necessity, but they also raise questions about the club’s summer recruitment strategy. A specialist defensive midfielder would protect the centre-backs, close passing lanes and give McGregor greater freedom to control possession without carrying the entire defensive workload.
The club should seek a physically strong, tactically disciplined midfielder who can win duels and distribute the ball cleanly under pressure. Central defence needs similar attention, although Celtic must assess their returning players before committing substantial fees to another signing.
The £35.5 million surplus makes the lack of balance harder to defend. January recruitment must address specific weaknesses rather than chase names or repeat the late-window scramble. Celtic need fewer emergency solutions and more reliable players capable of handling the pressure at Celtic Park.