Recent comments from Martin O’Neill have done little to soothe supporter anxiety regarding Celtic’s transfer activity. Aside from acquiring Colombian forward Camilo Duran from Qarabag, the squad remains largely unchanged following a challenging season. Reports suggest O’Neill is bracing for the potential departures of Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda, while discussions regarding captain Callum McGregor’s future are expected, particularly as he is reportedly aligning with a new management agency.
Arne Engels, recruited from Augsburg in 2024, has been positioned as a key midfield figure. Though he has yet to replicate the prolific scoring output of his predecessor Matt O’Riley, his contributions in decisive matches, including league and cup finals, underscore his importance. Similarly, Daizen Maeda has been a vital offensive force. Since arriving, the Japanese forward has consistently reached double-digit goal tallies and provided numerous assists, proving essential to Celtic’s recent domestic trophy haul.
Callum McGregor remains the definitive leader of the team. With over 500 appearances and 26 major honours, his influence extends beyond statistics. As a veteran of 33, his leadership is considered irreplaceable. While Maeda and Engels represent younger, high-potential assets, the prospect of losing any of these three would create significant tactical voids for O’Neill. As the new season approaches, with Champions League qualifiers on the horizon, the club faces a critical period to either retain its core or secure adequate replacements.
