Celtic’s summer transfer window saw the club wave goodbye to several key players as the club looked ahead to a new era under veteran boss Martin O’Neill.
Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Arne Engels all left in big-money moves, while fringe men Stephen Welsh, Paulo Bernardo and Maik Nawrocki all departed for pastures new as Celtic’s new-look squad took shape ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
It started perfectly, with new signings Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh helping the side record six successive league wins. However, a damaging loss to LASK in the Champions League playoffs, followed by back-to-back defeats against Rangers, has turned the mood sour at Parkhead in recent weeks. But what has happened to those that have left?
Here we look at the 15 Celtic players who moved away from the club before the start of the new campaign, and assess how they have done for their new teams in the opening months of the season. Who has found success away from Parkhead - and who regrets their decision to leave?
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9. Arne Engels - West Ham United
Celtic's big summer departure, Engels signed for the Hammers for a whopping £22million in August. After a shaky start, the Belgian has recovered to put in some glittering displays in the EFL Championship. He has two assists in seven games and has been praised for his high energy performances at the London Stadium. Many supporters have claimed he is the best midfielder in the division. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
10. Adam Montgomery - Livingston (loan)
The left-back has made sporadic appearances for Celtic's first team and spent half a season on loan to Livingston last year before injury ended his time there prematurely. He returned to Almondvale in the summer, but has played just twice as he slowly builds back to full fitness. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
11. Stephen Welsh - Swansea City
Made a huge impression on loan at Motherwell last season, playing a major role in them claiming a top four spot. He chose to depart Scotland when his contract expired this summer, though, and signed for Swansea City. Starting all eight league games so far, he's been a vital part of the Swans' strong early start that has helped them climb to the top of the table. He featured in all four of Scotland's recent Nations League games after making his international debut against Slovenia in September, following an extremely impressive last 12 months. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
12. Hayato Inamura - FC Tokyo
Another Japanese import who was unable to make an impact after joining in the summer. The centre-back returned to his homeland on loan in January, with the move made permanent in the summer. A regular at the heart of an FC Tokyo defence that are a dark horse in the J-League title race this season. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images