Martin O'Neill quickly launched into Celtic transfers amid unsettled players and contract calls
Hatate ‘signals intention to leave’ and decision required on Iheanacho
Martin O’Neill will quickly turn his attention to recruitment when his fourth spell as Celtic manager is confirmed.
O’Neill has agreed to return as Celtic boss for the 2026/27 campaign and a formal announcement from the Premiership champions is imminent. The 74-year-old met with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond last week and the two parties settled on the Northern Irishman continuing to be in charge of first-team matters.
O’Neill will have to deal with a number of players leaving the club, with either loans expiring or requests to depart. It emerged over the weekend that midfielder Reo Hatate, who was a peripheral figure under O’Neill, has informed Celtic of his desire for a transfer. Contracted until the summer of 2028, the 28-year-old has been with the club since 2022 and has won nine honours. Celtic would demand a fee from any potential buyers.
Meanwhile, Hatate’s Japanese compatriot Hyato Inamura - who signed for Celtic last summer - is expected to complete a permanent move to FC Tokyo, where he is currently on loan.
Key forward Daizen Maeda is expected to make a call on his club future after Japan’s World Cup campaign, while Celtic still need to decide whether to trigger a one-year contract extension for striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who played a pivotal part in Celtic winning a league and Scottish Cup double.
The transfer window officially opens on June 15 and Celtic are set to be in the market for a goalkeeper, centre-halves, midfielders and strikers as they look to defend their Premiership crown and reach the Champions League. They have been linked with Rodez’s Guadeloupian forward Tairyk Arconte in recent days.
O’Neill have a major say with ins and outs at Celtic after it emerged on Friday evening that O’Neill will be back for another season. He is set to be joined by assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, who played a key part in the club’s strong end to the season.
Celtic won their final nine matches in all competitions to reel in long-time league leaders Hearts and retain their crown, while the Parkhead outfit overcame Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 to win the Scottish Cup final.
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