Celtic are coming off the back of a surprise domestic double in Scotland, but fans are clamouring for more work to be done in the offseason. Martin O’Neill returned midseason for the second time to lead the Hoops to a dramatic Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup trophy, bringing an end to a campaign filled with drama.
Fans were put through their paces during the 2025/26 season with Heart of Midlothian leading the title race until the last 10 minutes of the final game at Celtic Park. Goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand sealed the Bhoys’ 56th title and killed Hearts dreams in heartbreaking fashion.
Focus has now shifted immediately to the summer transfer window with former boss O’Neill reinstated as permanent manager. He coached the side on two separate, temporary occasions last term and will look to stamp his authority this time around with some fresh faces.
Here, Mirror Football has delved into what a perfect window could look like for the Hoops, and how they could shape up next campaign.
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Celtic have had their eye on Motherwell’s Elijah Just for months following his impressive debut season in Scotland. The winger made 15 goal contributions from a mostly attacking-midfield position for the Well and recently earned international acclaim for his performance at the World Cup.
View 5 ImagesElijah Just’s value has just sky-rocketed(Image: Harry How/Getty Images)
Just scored twice in New Zealand’s opening match against Iran, helping his side battle to a 2-2 draw to gain their first point at the tournament. While this is a welcome boost in popularity for the 26-year-old, reports suggest his transfer stock will now soar.
This means Celtic will have to compete with other clubs for Just’s signature, including Glasgow rivals Rangers. He’s currently valued at £2million and the Hoops will be expected to pay a significant fee for the attacker, potentially breaking Motherwell’s record for a sale.
Kelechi Iheanacho is reportedly desperate to continue his stay at Celtic after his heroic displays during the title race run-in. The veteran striker was hugely influential in turning the tide in the club’s favour thanks to his last-minute goals.
View 5 ImagesIheanacho’s fitness is his only stumbling block(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It is understood that the 29-year-old is keen to remain in Glasgow, with O’Neill set to make this decision at the end of June after concerns were raised over his fitness. The Nigerian striker only made the starting XI four times in the league last season, but was an incredible impact player from the bench.
Iheanacho joined the Hoops on a free transfer and will likely end his career with the club if they decide to retain his services for another year.
Fans have been clamouring for the Celtic board to open the safe and splash the cash on big-name stars. A Borussia Dortmund winger with 45 goal contributions at just 20 years old may just tick that box.
View 5 ImagesCole Campbell may be the pricier option for the Hoops(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Cole Campbell has been linked with Celtic recently, with Sky Germany reporting that talks are underway to bring the youngster to the club. However, he isn’t going to be a cheap acquisition with a £6million price tag slapped on him by the Bundesliga side.
Reports claim that Campbell’s loan stint at Hoffenheim included a £6.8m purchase option and a potential buy-back clause for Dortmund. The loan club didn’t take up that offer from their German rivals, and the winger has since returned to BVB.
With the likes of £11m spent on Arne Engels in recent years, it isn’t unusual for Celtic to spend the money on a player they are exceptionally keen on.
View 5 ImagesMarcelo Saracchi’s return seems like an open goal for Celtic(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
One signing that many fans will see as a no-brainer is the return of Marcelo Saracchi. The defender spent the year on loan in Glasgow and developed a cult following among the supporters for his impressive forward play and crunching tackles.
He was on hand to deliver Osmand the ball that assisted Maeda in scoring the second goal against Hearts on the final day, and arguably changed the game when he was brought on in the second half. Reports suggest that the 28-year-old is interested in coming back to Celtic and is waiting for the club to open formal talks with Boca Juniors for a permanent signing.
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He could be available for less than £2m, making him the perfect partner to club icon Kieran Tierney down the left-hand side. However, Saracchi is understood not to plan to wait around for the Hoops to make their interest concrete, and may head elsewhere.
Sinisalo; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Saracchi; McGregor, Engels, Just; Yang, Iheanacho, Campbell (4-3-3)