Celtic manager Martin O’Neill started his third reign as the club’s head coach in perfect fashion at the weekend, defeating Dundee United 4-0 at Parkhead to keep the pressure on league leaders Hearts.
The 73-year-old boss is determined to ensure Celtic retain their Scottish Premiership crown after a turbulent first half of the campaign, and is hopeful he can add to his squad this month as they look to make up the six-point gap at the top of the table.
AFC Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo has already arrived on a season-long loan deal, and reports have linked Lorient striker Mohamed Bamba over the weekend, while former hitman Kyogo Furuhashi was also linked with a sensational return last week. However, O’Neill played down talk of the Japanese striker re-signing for the club. There’s been plenty of exit talk at Celtic too, with star players, fringe squad members, and forgotten men all tipped with potential January departures.
With more movement anticipated in the January transfer window, The Scotsman take a look at the 8 players who could depart Celtic this month as the wheels begin to turn in the January transfer window.
5. Odin Thiago Holm - COULD LEAVE
A forgotten man at Celtic, he recently returned from a loan spell with Los Angeles FC in the MLS, where he played just three games. the 22‑year‑old is not expected to remain in Glasgow for too long, though, with reports that his representatives actively exploring loan options elsewhere. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Dane Murray - COULD LEAVE
The young centre-back has had a more prominent role in the first-team squad this season, but has struggled when called upon. Has a contract until the summer of 2028, but likely needs regular game time to improve. Feels like a potential candidate for a loan move, but it will depends on Celtic's cover in defence. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Callum McGregor - LINKED TO SAUDI PRO LEAGUE
Unlikely to leave, and O'Neill admitted last week that he would struggle to replace him if he were to depart. Has interest from former manager Brendan Rodgers at Saudi Pro League outfit Al Qadsiah, but Celtic will be determined to keep hold of their skipper. | PA Photo: PA
8. Daizen Maeda - COULD LEAVE
Had interest from Brentford in the summer, while O'Neill let slip that a move to Wolfsburg fell through in the summer last week. Nothing imminent on the horizon, but things could change as the window drags on and team's look for reinforcements. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images