Celtic’s Key Men: Engels, Maeda & McGregor

Impressive Stats & Track Record

Arne Engels arrived in the summer of 2024 from Augsburg as a replacement for Matt O’Riley, who was sold to Brighton after scoring 19 goals in 49 games the previous term. The 22‑year‑old Belgium international has already proved he can hit the net regularly, netting ten times in the 2024‑25 campaign and adding seven strikes last season. His eight assists in the most recent term underscore his contribution to Celtic’s midfield engine, where he has become a consistent scorer and playmaker.

Daizen Maeda enjoyed a career‑best season in 2024‑25, posting 33 goals in 51 appearances while maintaining double‑digit tallies across his other full seasons at the club. Over his time with Celtic he has amassed 38 assists and been part of ten pieces of silverware, including five league titles. His versatility on the wings and through the middle has made him a pivotal attacking outlet for the Scottish champions.

Callum McGregor stands out as one of the most decorated players in Celtic’s history, collecting 26 honours – 11 of them league championships – since his breakthrough in 2014. The former Scotland midfielder has scored 77 goals in 576 appearances and provided 84 assists, showcasing longevity and consistency that few can match. He also demonstrated loyalty by giving up his international career to stay focused on club form.

Intangible Qualities & Value

Even at 33, McGregor remains a leadership figure whose experience is hard to replicate. He assumed the captaincy from Scott Brown in 2021 and has since become the heartbeat of the team, blending on‑field influence with locker‑room authority. His recent warning that he would only stay if Celtic continued to push for success highlights the standards he sets for the squad.

Maeda brings World Cup pedigree to Celtic and still feels he has his best years ahead, according to former boss Ange Postecoglu, who praised his “world‑class” closing down abilities. The Japanese forward’s ability to operate on the wings and through the middle makes him a versatile asset for O’Neill’s tactical plans. His age and skill keep him attractive to foreign clubs, as illustrated by a potential 2025 move to Wolfsburg that never materialised.

Engels, still only 28, is seen as a player with room for development, despite attracting interest from Wolfsburg and Nottingham Forest last term. Early‑season dips were linked to disappointment over collapsed transfers, yet he recovered to finish strongly, though not enough to secure a Belgium World Cup spot. His talent and growth potential keep him on the radar of top European sides.

O’Neill’s Transfer Stance & Outlook

O’Neill has signalled that he is prepared to let Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda leave, describing his decision as resigning himself to those exits. He also plans discussions with captain Callum McGregor about the midfielder’s future, noting that McGregor is reportedly signed to a new agency. The manager’s focus now is on augmenting the squad, highlighted by the recent signing of Colombian striker Camilo Duran from Qarabag as Celtic’s sole summer addition so far.

Speaking on Celtic TV, O’Neill outlined his vision for season 2026‑27, emphasizing purposeful possession and a drive to keep the ball for strategic reasons. The club begins its campaign against Dundee on 3 August before facing Kilmarnock and a League Cup tie in mid‑month. The Champions League play‑off round on 18‑19 and 25‑26 August represents the biggest tests, with Celtic seeking to avoid a repeat of last year’s penalty defeat to Kairat.

Losing any of these three key figures would create significant challenges. A departure of Engels or McGregor would hollow out the midfield spine, while Maeda’s exit would leave a void in attack given his versatility and track record. McGregor remains contracted until 2028 but age may limit his remaining impact, and Maeda’s contract runs out after one year, leaving Celtic with only two windows to convert his value.