O'Neill hopeful on transfers despite Champions League play-off exit
August 28, 2026 15:16
WHAT HAPPENED
Celtic were eliminated from the Champions League qualifying play-off after a 5-1 defeat to LASK after extra time, the Austrian side advancing 5-4 on aggregate. As a result, Celtic will compete in the Europa League this season rather than the Champions League.
Manager Martin O'Neill said he hopes the failure to reach the Champions League will not deter potential signings. He confirmed the club is still pursuing additions before the transfer window closes next week and acknowledged the squad needs reinforcement.
KEY CONTEXT
- Celtic have already recruited four players this window: Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur.
- The club have faced fan criticism over their transfer activity since last summer, including for their approach to Champions League qualifying.
- Influential squad members Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels have departed this summer, joining Ipswich Town and West Ham United respectively.
- O'Neill pointed to the Champions League's attraction for younger players and stressed that the financial differences between European competitions matter.
WHY IT MATTERS
Missing out on the Champions League reduces the competition prestige Celtic can offer potential recruits and lowers the financial incentives linked to the top European competition—both factors the manager highlighted as important for transfers. The club also left a favourable aggregate position at half-time (leading 4-1) but still lost the tie, which O'Neill described as a major disappointment and something he will review closely. The outcome increases pressure to add personnel to a squad that has already seen key departures.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Celtic complete further signings before the transfer window closes next week.
- How O'Neill addresses defensive lapses he referenced and how quickly the team responds on the pitch after the setback.
- O'Neill's assessment following his further analysis of the defeat and any tactical or personnel changes that follow.
KEY FACTS
- LASK beat Celtic 5-1 after extra time in the play-off; aggregate 5-4 to LASK.
- Celtic will play in the Europa League this season.
- New arrivals this window: Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Haissem Hassan, Mika Baur.
- Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels left for Ipswich Town and West Ham United respectively.
- Transfer window closes next week; O'Neill said the club is still trying to add players.