New Celtic signings unlikely before LASK tie - O'Neill
August 18, 2026 17:34
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said he does not expect the club to bring in new signings before Wednesday’s Champions League play-off first leg at home to LASK, with a late-night transfer deadline on Tuesday looming. He also indicated he would be content for midfielder Reo Hatate to remain at the club and fight for a place in the team.
The club sold Arne Engels to West Ham at the weekend and are still looking for a replacement. O'Neill suggested it will be difficult to match Engels’s running power in the middle of the park for the upcoming tie.
KEY CONTEXT
- Several summer arrivals have already joined the squad: Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh have made promising starts, while Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan have arrived more recently.
- Baur came off the bench in the 59th minute during Sunday’s 4-0 win at Dundee United, and O'Neill said he could be considered to start because Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is suspended and Reo Hatate has not featured this season.
- Hatate, who is under contract until the summer of 2028, has been an unused substitute so far this term and last started in April’s 2-0 defeat at Dundee United. He has previously won five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups with Celtic.
- The manager confirmed there have been transfer enquiries about Hatate but described them as not definitive.
WHY IT MATTERS
Celtic head into an important Champions League play-off with reduced midfield options after Engels’s departure and the suspension of Oxlade-Chamberlain. How the club addresses those absences — whether by starting a recent arrival such as Baur or retaining Hatate in the squad — will shape their midfield profile against LASK. Decisions before or after the transfer deadline will affect squad balance and match selection for the tie.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Celtic complete any incoming transfers before Tuesday’s late deadline (O'Neill said there is a reasonable chance nothing will happen).
- Whether the club names a replacement for Arne Engels in time for the LASK first leg.
- If Reo Hatate chooses to stay and contest for his place, and whether O'Neill picks him or a recent signing such as Mika Baur in midfield for the home fixture.
KEY FACTS
- O'Neill does not expect new signings ahead of the Champions League play-off first leg with LASK.
- Arne Engels was sold to West Ham; Celtic are still seeking a replacement.
- Summer signings Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh have impressed; Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan have also joined recently.
- Mika Baur made his debut as a 59th-minute substitute in the 4-0 win at Dundee United.
- Reo Hatate is under contract until summer 2028, has been an unused substitute this season and last started in April; there have been transfer enquiries but no definitive offers.