Celtic

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Sometimes you need to zoom out for the full picture to come into sharper focus.

Much has been made of Celtic's recruitment failures in the past few transfer windows. Understandably so. The transformation from Champions League knock-out participants to European also-rans wading through domestic chaos has been staggering and surprising all at once.

It goes to show how quickly, and profoundly, things can fall apart if the wrong people are minding the shop. The removal of Paul Tisdale as head of football operations has created a bit of a vacuum which will take time properly to fill.

This is a mess entirely of Celtic's own making: a club preparing to hit the re-set button across all departments. Which goes a long way to explaining why loanees have been jetting in lately as opposed to permanent signings. The five players they've brought in might turn out to be valuable additions to the squad. They may also all disappear in June amid another period of turbulence.

Not that the board didn't try to spend some money. One of the most interesting revelations of the January window was that Celtic had actually agreed to give Italian second tier side Frosinone around £6m for a winger with little top flight experience anywhere, and who cost the Serie B outfit a whopping £300,000 two years ago. Talk about hyper-inflation.

It was apparently Fares Ghedjemis himself who pulled out of the move to Scotland at the last minute, fancying a crack at promotion to Serie A instead. He may turn out to be a very fine player. He may also have done Celtic a massive favour. What if the next Celtic boss didn't fancy him?

Therein lies the quandary for the Parkhead power-brokers as they try to navigate from one crisis to the next. Martin O'Neill turns 74 next month, there is every chance, come the summer, that he retires. Again. Should he win the Premiership before then, however, he should be given the keys to the club for as long as he wants.

Let's assume, however, that a new man comes in. He'll likely want an entirely new set of players. A massive rebuild at a prohibitive cost, never mind the five loan players. Would anyone be remotely surprised if Japanese stalwarts Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate moved on? Could Celtic seriously hold on to Arne Engels if Nottingham Forest come back with anywhere near £25m in a few months' time? Not with a squad rebuild on the go.

The Celtic team that starts the 2026-27 season is likely to bear little resemblance to the one that finishes this campaign. The club has forced itself into a state of ongoing flux.

At present Mark Cooper is heading up recruitment, assisted by ex-Chelsea man James Bell-Walker. Their job is at once easy and difficult: come up with a better calibre of player than those recruited last year but do so at pace and in great volume. Oh, and it may all change depending on the next manager's preferences.

No wonder temporary sticking plasters are the order of the day for the moment. When they're all ripped off, though, it may not leave a pretty sight in the summer.

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• Aberdeen remain winless in their last 33 meetings with Celtic in all competitions (D7 L26) since a 1-0 league victory in May 2018.

• Celtic have won 15 of their last 18 away league visits to Aberdeen (D3) since losing successive trips there in the 2015-16 season under Ronny Deila.

• Aberdeen have only lost one of their last seven home league games (W3 D3), a 0-2 defeat to Rangers in January. The Dons are looking to win back-to-back home matches in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since November 2024 (10 in a row).

• Celtic have won 19 of their last 21 league matches played on a Wednesday (L2), although one of their two defeats in this period was this season at Dundee United in December (2-1).

• Celtic's Reo Hatate has scored five goals in his last six league starts against Aberdeen, including two in his last two at Pittodrie.

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Centre-back Benjamin Arthur is hoping to emulate former Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk during his loan spell in Glasgow.

The 20-year-old joins Martin O'Neill's side on a short-term basis from Premier League outfit Brentford where he's only made three appearances.

And the defender is hoping he can be as successful as hero Van Dijk who spent two years at Parkhead.

"People like to say I play like Virgil," Arthur admitted.

"We have the same style. I think he's an amazing defender and I definitely look up to him the most."

Arthur will have competition for a place in the starting line-up from regular centre-back pairing Liam Scales and Auston Trusty, as well as youngster Dane Murray who started against Falkirk at the weekend in light Trusty's suspension.

But the youngster is confident he can make an impact and help Celtic in the title fight.

"I think it's the right move for my development," he added.

"I'm really excited to be here, I think I can grow and learn a lot of things.

"I've heard a lot of things and I know a few people here, from what they've said it's very competitive, there's an aggressive side.

"Pressure has always been part of the game but it doesn't really affect me at all. Seeing the stadium, it's amazing and I'm really excited to play in front of the fans."

Interim manager Martin O'Neill says Arne Engels and his agent "did not kick up a fuss" about Celtic rejecting Nottingham Forest's late interest in the Belgium midfielder. (Daily Record)

Jens Berthel Askou has confirmed Motherwell dismissed late deadline-day interest in Tawanda Maswanhise, who had been interesting Anderlecht, Celtic and Blackburn Rovers. (Scottish Sun)

Celtic are set to bank some income with Besiktas reaching an agreement for striker Hyeon-Gyu Oh, who had a sell-on clause inserted in his deal when the Glasgow club sold him to Genk. (Scottish Sun)

Celtic and Rangers' "snobbishness in judging players from within Scottish football" could cost them in the transfer game and the title race. (The Herald)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Tino
Fan writer

So that's that then.

After months of speculation, anxiety and endless noise, the January transfer window has finally slammed shut.

And honestly? I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about how it all unfolded for Celtic.

The headline - glaring, if slightly misleading - is we've come through the window without spending a single penny, instead welcoming five loan signings.

Dig a little deeper, though, and there's nuance to that. Three of those deals - Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka - all come with options to buy, should they prove their worth between now and the end of the campaign.

And recent history suggests this approach can work. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota and to a lesser extent Paulo Bernardo have all served us well after joining in similar circumstances.

It's football's version of 'try before you buy'. The strategy of choice perhaps if you happen to have a particularly cautious and conservative board.

But we're now at the business end of the season where the margin for error is minimal and where any mis-steps could be costly.

Can Celtic really afford to deal in 'maybes'? Players who might hit the ground running, as Cvancara and Julian Araujo have, but who might just as easily struggle to find their feet in the chaotic environment of Scottish football.

There can be no doubt this signing policy is a gamble. A calculated one perhaps - but a gamble nonetheless.

Only time will tell if it's one that pays off.

Much faith has been placed in the judgement of Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney, both of whom played pivotal roles during this window. But whether the club landed their first, second or even third-choice targets remains to be seen.

What's harder to ignore is the prevailing mood of disheartenment as the 11pm deadline came and went.

And for a club with Celtic's resources, that should never be the case.

We did of course manage to keep Arne Engels despite a late play by Nottingham Forest - and it's a bold call to reject a double-your-money offer on your most expensive signing.

The coming months will tell us if that, and our quintet of loanees, have been the moves that will help us once again retain the title.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

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Aberdeen could hand debuts to Afeez Aremu, Dennis Geiger and Tom McIntyre.

The Dons are short of defenders with Jack Milne still suspended and Mats Knoester's head injury ruling him out for a number of weeks to join Gavin Molloy and Kristers Tobers (both knee) on the sidelines with goalkeeper Nick Suman (ankle).

Celtic defender Auston Trusty returns from suspension while new loan signings Junior Adamu, Benjamin Arthur and Joel Mvuka are all available.

Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles), Jota (knee), Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand (both hamstring) remain out.

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Martin O'Neill has been speaking to the media before Celtic's Premiership trip to face Aberdeen on Wednesday night.

Here are the key lines:

• O'Neill confirms he is "very interested" in signing former Arsenal and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and has held talks with the 32-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Besiktas last summer.

• However, O'Neill says Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been training with Arsenal, has "lots of options, some closer to London too" and the Celtic boss is "surprised teams haven't already teed him up".

• Celtic are not currently speaking to any other out-of-contract players.

• Having signed three players on deadline day, O'Neill is "happy" with Celtic's business, adding: "It's nice to get a few people in, in different positions. I think they can help in the manner in which I think the two new arrivals who have played some games for us have done really fine."

• O'Neill is "delighted" the board made a "major statement" by turning down bids rising to £25m from Nottingham Forest for Arne Engels: "It's really tempting. And it's come at a very, very late stage from that viewpoint. So real, great credit to them."

• Asked if the board spoke to him about the Engels offer, the Northern Irishman says: "No, absolutely not. Not at all. No, they turned it down before telling me."

• Engels didn't "kick up a fuss" at the move being blocked and O'Neill says "we can re-look at things in the summer".

• O'Neill did not feel the need to speak to Engels, saying: "I think his agent was happy enough with the situation. He said this is it, Arne is happy here, he wants to see what the season will bring at the end."

• After adding five players in total, O'Neill was asked if he has the squad to win the title, replying: "My view is exactly the same as it was when I arrived here. We're chasing. And at the end of it all, we're behind. It's in Hearts' hands, we've got no room for error."

• On newly-signed winger Joel Mvuka, whose from Lorient became a loan deal after a reported issue in his medical, O'Neill says: "I'm not going into any great detail, I don't think that that's right. But it has ended like that there. He's fine, everyone is happy with the way that it has materialised. And we'll see. He's a really great lad and if his football matches his character, we're in business."

• On fan frustration over Celtic not buying any players in the window, O'Neill says they had "a deal set up" for Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis but he "chose to stay".

• The Celtic boss adds: "Those things happen in the game. It happens from 1 January, it happens on the 24th and it happens late on. So that does happen, it's happened every single time. You can have things set up and be thwarted."

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Austria forward Junior Adamu aims to score "a lot of goals" and fire Celtic to plenty of silverware after joining on loan.

The 24-year-old arrives from Freiburg, where he has only netted three Bundesliga goals in two-and-a-half seasons.

He previously scored 23 in 84 appearances with RB Salzburg and believes his move to Scotland can help him add to his nine Austria caps ahead of the World Cup.

"I'm very excited to be here and I can't wait to get started," Adamu told Celtic TV.

"I want to give my best for this club and try to win the title, also the cup, and Europa League, to score a lot of goals, and help the team. I can't wait.

"I have a good feeling. I've spoken with the manager and he's given me good motivation, and I trust him, he's given me that trust. He's told me how the system is and I feel the connection is really strong.

"I'm dangerous in the box and hungry for goals. That's what the manager sees in me and I want to show that on the pitch.

"I'm a striker who likes to go deep, be good against the ball, and try to be good in the box and score a lot of goals."

With the transfer window now shut, we want to know if you think your team have made the right moves.

Celtic's trio of deadline-day arrivals took their signing total to five - all loan deals.

Striker Junior Adamu, centre-half Benjamin Arthur and winger Joel Mvuka added to the earlier signings of striker Tomas Cvancara and right-back Julian Araujo.

Celtic knocked back a £25m bid from Nottingham Forest for Arne Engels but sanctioned Stephen Welsh's loan return to Motherwell. Hayato Inamura and Shin Yamada left on loan earlier in the window.

What do you make of Celtic's transfer business? Are they in better shape now for the three-way title fight? Or have they not done enough?

Tell us your thoughts here.

Lorient winger Joel Mvuka, 23, completed a loan move to Celtic after a late medical scare on deadline day. (Record), external

Kris Boyd backs free agent attacker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 32, to be a success if he joins Celtic. (Record), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Celtic new boy Tomas Cvancara hopes he can continue contributing in front of goal as Martin O'Neill's side try to hunt down Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The Czech Republic international scored his first goal for the club in Sunday's win over Falkirk, having assisted Yang Hyun-jun in the draw against Hearts last weekend.

Celtic still trail the Tynecastle outfit by six points, but the Borussia Monchengladbach loanee is happy with his start to life in Glasgow.

"I'm here just one week and I already played two games, so it was quite tough, but I think that this start can just help me and I'm happy for that," Cvancara said.

"When I arrived that the boys were very welcoming, that they were so nice to me and I'm just happy that I can pay it back with assists and goals or whatever. That we just keep winning – this is the most important.

"I hope that if I keep scoring the goals and we will keep winning, that we will keep hunting them for the title."

Sportscene pundits James McFadden and Jackie McNamara were impressed by new signing Tomas Cvancara's impact on the Celtic team after the Czech Republic international scored against Falkirk.

"He's looked OK since he's come in," McNamara said. "To generate the power and accuracy, it's a fantastic header.

"That's why he's been brought in - Celtic have struggled to get on the end of crosses and he'll be pleased to get a goal."

McFadden believes he should get better as the season progresses.

"An assist against Hearts and a goal against Falkirk," the former Scotland forward said. "He's certainly started well and if that's him lacking sharpness, it's a good sign for Celtic."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Jack Butland (Rangers)

Made several vital stops to keep Hibs at bay in Sunday's goalless draw at Easter Road.

Paul McGinn (Motherwell)

Continues to perform heroically at centre back for free-flowing Motherwell, who beat Livingston on Saturday. Sticking him in at his more accustomed right-back spot in my team.

Robbie Deas - (Kilmarnock)

Laid a solid foundation as Kilmarnock kept Aberdeen out to earn a much needed and well-deserved win.

Kieran Tierney (Celtic)

Becoming increasingly important as the weeks roll by for Celtic after getting through the first part of the season. 83 good minutes against Falkirk and an assist for the Scotland defender.

Harry Milne (Hearts)

Continually impressive this season for Hearts. Provided the assist for the opening goal at Tannadice as Derek McInnes' side won comfortably.

Brad Lyons (Kilmarnock)

Led by example and got a goal to kickstart a superb performance. The captain showed heart and soul for the cause.

Elijah Just (Motherwell)

The New Zealand winger has been one of the discoveries and players of the season. An assist for Motherwell's first goal against Livingston. Elegance, poise and football intelligence in an abundance. A joy to watch.

Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell)

Two goals to sink Livingston, 18 goals in all competitions and the top scorer in the Premiership. The Zimbabwe international has been a revelation this season.

Pierre Landry Kabore (Hearts)

Filling the Lawrence Shankland-shaped hole at the top end of the pitch and did the business away at Dundee United with a double.

Tyreece John-Jules (Kilmarnock)

All round excellent display. Held the ball up, got an assist and a goal.

Alexandros Kyziridis (Hearts)

A livewire presence for Hearts. Always looks a threat, and on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.

Image source, SNS

Former Celtic captain Jackie McNamara believes manager Martin O'Neill will be "frustrated" by the club's January transfer business.

With the window closing on Monday, the Scottish champions have recruited defender Julian Araujo and forward Tomas Cvancara, both on loan. Cvancara has already picked up an assist and a goal.

Attackers Junior Adama and Joel Mvuka have been linked with deadline day moves to Celtic Park.

Celtic are six points below Premiership leaders Hearts, with 14 games left.

"Yeah, he'll be frustrated," McNamara told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"He'll have known that before he came back in the second time. We spoke a while ago about the importance there when Celtic changed the manager.

"When I played under Martin, he never played a 4-3-3. But he's played it since he came in because that's what suits the personnel that he's got to work with just now.

"If you were to ask him what his preferred system would be, don't think Martin would say 4-3-3. You talk about Martin's recruitment then. Sutton, Lennon, they're massive characters, all leaders. They were real guys, had strong characters and leaders in the team and I think that's what he's not got at the moment."

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This season's Scottish Premiership top six could be "the best" yet in terms of quality, according to former Motherwell forward James McFadden.

Hearts lead the division, with defending champions Celtic and Rangers six points adrift and Motherwell, Hibernian and Falkirk making up the top half of the table.

"It makes the top six extremely interesting," McFadden told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Falkirk are in the driving seat at that point as well. They will be a tough opposition for anybody. The next three games, if Hearts can win, I would make them heavy favourites to win the league.

"If they can win all three games and, well, that's including beating Rangers, then it goes to nine points on Rangers.

"Rangers need to play Celtic, throw Motherwell into the equation. Hibs, you look, you know, at their performance [in the draw with Rangers].

"It'll be the best top six that we've had in this split era because so many teams have so much to play for and so many strong teams are in there."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United defender Tyler Fredricson is set to remain at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season.

Fredricson has been the subject of significant interest during the current transfer window but has picked up an injury that will prevent him making an immediate move.

League One promotion hopefuls Huddersfield Town and Scottish Premiership outfit Aberdeen were both really keen on the 20-year-old, who started two Premier League games at the end of last season.

Celtic have also inquired about Fredricson during this transfer window.

The Englishman was keen on a short-term move as he has only managed two minutes of action in the Premier League this season, despite being named in 10 matchday squads.

His involvement at senior level has restricted the opportunities to play for United's under-21 side, for whom he has started just three games.