Celtic fans are watching this summer’s window with a mix of hope and worry. Martin O’Neill’s recent comments about selling Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda have done little to ease concerns, especially after the Scottish champions added only Colombian striker Camilo Duran from Qarabag. The club also plans talks with captain Callum McGregor about his future, as the midfielder reportedly signed up to a new agency.
Why Arne Engels Is Central To Celtic’s Plans
Engels arrived in the summer of 2024 from Bundesliga side Augsburg as a replacement for Matt O’Riley, who moved to Brighton after a prolific 2023‑24 season. The 22‑year‑old Belgium international has turned heads by scoring ten goals in the 2024‑25 campaign and adding seven more last term. He also contributed eight assists last season and netted in crucial wins over Hearts and Dunfermley.
His early‑season dip, linked to the collapse of a possible move, was later reversed, but it proved costly in terms of international selection, as he missed out on Belgium’s World Cup squad. With a contract running until 2028, Engels remains a key midfield figure and a potential sell‑on asset for Celtic.
Daizen Maeda’s Goal‑Scoring Machine
Maeda’s most recent season was exceptional: 33 goals in 51 appearances, capping off a string of double‑digit campaigns, including 17 strikes in 2025‑26. He has also racked up 38 assists, helping the club collect ten trophies, five of which are league titles. Former boss Ange Postecoglu praised his “world‑class” closing down abilities, making him a versatile option both on the wings and through the middle.
A potential 2025 move to Wolfsburg never materialised, and Nottingham Forest showed interest in Engels but came away empty‑handed. The disappointment of those collapsed deals seemed to affect early‑season form, though both players finished strongly. With only one year left on his contract, Celtic face a ticking clock to capitalize on Maeda’s market value.
Callum McGregor’s Leadership And Experience
McGregor, now 33, has been captain since replacing Scott Brown in 2021 and is one of Celtic’s most decorated players with 26 trophies, including 11 league titles. The former Scotland midfielder has netted 77 times in 576 appearances and added 84 assists since breaking through in 2014. He demonstrated loyalty by giving up his international career to maintain form at Celtic.
In April he warned that his future at the club hinged on Celtic “continuing to push and want to be successful”, a statement made before the late title charge under O’Neill. Despite being under contract until 2028, age and the club’s ambitions could make a move worthwhile for both sides.
What Celtic Have Done So Far In The Transfer Window
After two spells as interim boss, O’Neill formalised a longer stay and told Celtic TV he was looking to “augment the squad”. The first addition was Duran, while full‑back renewals were secured for Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain, James Forrest, Luke McCowan and Liam Scales. O’Neill also shared a philosophy of purposeful possession, stating that keeping the ball should serve a tactical aim.
With the Premiership opener against Dundee on 3 August, a trip to Kilmarnock six days later, and Champions League play‑off ties looming, the manager must balance ambition with realism. The upcoming schedule includes League Cup fixtures and the chance to avoid a repeat of last season’s penalty‑shootout loss to Kairat.
Risks Of Losing Key Assets
Selling Engels would create a noticeable midfield void, given his goal contributions and ability to dictate tempo. A departure for Maeda would hit the attack hard, as his versatility and knack for decisive goals are hard to replace. Even if McGregor stays, his advancing age and the club’s trophy‑ hunting aspirations make his situation a point of speculation.
With only two windows left to secure value for Maeda and a renewed focus on squad depth, O’Neill’s summer decisions will shape Celtic’s chances of lifting silverware in season 2026‑27. Fans will watch closely to see if the club’s activity matches the manager’s ambitious vision.
Content Credit: This article was originally published on sports.yahoo.com.
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