The short version
- Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney confirmed the club is actively negotiating for up to four new signings ahead of the Europa League squad deadline.
- The team seeks reinforcement in defense and midfield, with specific interest noted in a left-back to challenge Kieran Tierney and players to replace departed personnel.
- While no deals are finalized, reports link Celtic with several targets, though Maloney emphasized that any striker addition must occur within the next forty-eight hours or not at all.
Celtic Football Club is in the final stages of its summer recruitment drive, with assistant manager Shaun Maloney revealing that negotiations are underway for up to four new players. The push comes as the club prepares to finalize its roster for the Europa League, a deadline that arrives earlier than the domestic transfer window closure. Maloney indicated that the management team is focused on addressing specific gaps in the squad before Wednesday’s European registration cutoff.
The Scottish champions have already secured four first-team additions this transfer period. However, Maloney suggested that further work is required to complete the squad build. He highlighted the need for reinforcements in key positions, particularly to provide competition and depth where necessary. The urgency stems from the desire to integrate new talent quickly enough to contribute meaningfully before the European campaign intensifies.
A primary area of focus appears to be the left-back position. Maloney expressed a clear intent to recruit another defender to challenge Scotland international Kieran Tierney, who has started the season strongly. The assistant manager noted that while Tierney’s performance has been excellent, the unpredictability of an international-heavy squad necessitates reliable backup. Securing a player with the right profile to keep Tierney on his toes is described as a critical requirement for the coming days.
In midfield, the club is looking to replace the specific attributes brought by former player Arne Engels. Maloney explained that while the current technical quality in the middle of the park is high, the team requires additional dimensions such as speed and power. These physical traits are deemed essential for certain matches where a different tactical profile is needed. The search continues for individuals who can provide this contrast to the existing technically gifted players.
Several names have been linked with moves to Glasgow in recent reporting. Speculation has connected Celtic with Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, Parma midfielder Oliver Sorensen, and PSV Eindhoven’s Joel van den Berg. Additionally, there has been discussion regarding a potential loan move for Chelsea forward Shim Mheuka. However, Maloney remained cautious about confirming any of these links, stating that it is difficult to discuss prospective signings until deals are officially concluded.
Regarding the striker position, Maloney set a firm timeline for any activity. He stated that if an addition is to be made in that area, it must happen within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. If no progress is made by then, the club will proceed with its current attacking options. This binary approach underscores the tight constraints imposed by the approaching deadlines and the logistical challenges of late-stage transfers.
The situation regarding Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate remains uncertain. Maloney praised Hatate’s contributions since joining in early 2022, noting his thirty-three goals in one hundred ninety-one appearances and multiple title wins. While acknowledging Hatate as a brilliant player, the assistant manager left open the possibility of a departure. He suggested that if Hatate does leave, he will be remembered fondly for his significant impact on the club’s success during his tenure.
The immediate future involves navigating two distinct deadlines. The Europa League squad must be registered by Wednesday night, while the Scottish domestic transfer window closes on Thursday afternoon. Maloney emphasized that any incoming players must be secured in time to meet the European requirement if they are intended for that competition. The club’s strategy appears to prioritize filling three or four key roles immediately, with any further acquisitions viewed as long-term investments rather than immediate necessities.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Celtic working on up to four signings - Maloney
