Celtic Archives - SNN Sports

West Ham Interest Swirls Around Celtic’s Arne Engels

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is subject to interest from English Championship side West Ham United. The Hammers were relegated on the final day of the Premier League season, and will need to pay a fee similar to what Celtic rejected from Nottingham Forest in January, believed to be around £25million. Belgium international Engels has entered the last two years of his deal at Parkhead, and manager Martin O’Neill confirmed this week that the club had rejected a bid some way off of their valuation for the player. The 22-year-old joined Celtic in 2024 from Bundesliga side FC Augsburg for a then club record fee, and has since found the net 17 times in 98 games, including the equaliser in Celtic’s dramatic 3-1 title winning clash against Hearts in May. The Hoops this week broke the existing club record fee set for Engels when they acquired long-term target Kasper Høgh from Bodo/Glimt, and have been linked with a move for SC Paderborn central midfielder Mika Baur amid the rumoured departures of Engels and Reo Hatate.

July 31, 2026

“It’s Where I Want To Be” – Celtic Captain McGregor Has No Intention to Leave

Celtic captain Callum McGregor insists that Parkhead is ‘where he wants to be’ amid rumours linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia. The 33-year-old has spent his whole career in Glasgow besides a season on loan at Notts County, but had been linked with a reunion with former Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers at Al-Qasidah. The former Scotland international said he would only stay at Celtic if the club matched his ambition, but today confirmed that he wants to continue at the Premiership holders. He told Sky Sports: “Absolutely, this is a football club that has been part of my whole life since I was eight or nine years old. “It’s where I want to be, it’s where I want to play football. “Ultimately, I want to keep driving everything that I possibly can to make sure this club is successful. “Eventually, the day that you do leave it, you want to leave it in a really good place. Celtic confirmed the club-record signing of Kasper Høgh from Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, who becomes the second signing of the summer after Camilo Duran, which McGregor admitted is an encouraging step forward. “We’ve signed two strikers, two really good players. “It’s good signs, it’s positive steps, and that is to add to what is a really good group already. “I don’t really think there is a group of players or staff who could get us through that difficult moment as much as these boys did.” Celtic’s defence of the title kicks off on Monday evening at Celtic Park, where they will face Steven Pressley’s Dundee.

July 29, 2026

Daizen Maeda Completes Switch to Ipswich Town

Daizen Maeda has completed a move from Premiership Champions Celtic to Premier League side Ipswich Town. The Japanese forward leaves Glasgow after joining on New Years’ Eve in 2021, playing 212 times and scoring 79 goals. He now joins newly-promoted Premier League outfit Ipswich Town in a deal reported to earn Celtic around £10m, with the 28-year-old having one year left on his contract at Parkhead, and becomes the Tractor Boys first ever Japanese player. Maeda said on his socials: “To the Celtic family, the last four and a half years at Celtic have been the most special chapter of my career and my life. “It has been an incredible honour to wear this badge, to play for this amazing club, and to share so many unforgettable moments with my teammates, the staff, and the best supporters in the world. “Thank you for standing by me through every high and low. Your incredible support gave me strength every single day, and I will always be grateful. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in Glasgow who welcomed and supported my family. “Because of your kindness and generosity, my family was able to enjoy an unforgettable time here. Glasgow will always hold a very special place in our hearts and will forever be our second home. “My son loves Celtic so much that he already says he wants to wear the Celtic shirt and play at Celtic Park one day. I truly hope that dream comes true, and I hope our family will be back here again someday.” Maeda will now play at Portman Road until at least 2029 and could be in line for a Premier League debut there against Sunderland on August 22nd.

July 25, 2026

Celtic Reignite Kasper Høgh Interest as Club Prepare For Life Without Maeda

Celtic have reportedly began talks with Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt over striker Kasper Høgh to replace outgoing attacker Daizen Maeda. Høgh, who was also linked with a move to Parkhead in January, has scored 41 times in 77 games for Kjetil Knusten’s side, including five in last season’s Champions League as the former Norwegian champions reached the round of 16. Celtic’s only signing of the summer so far Camilo Duran scored the same number in Europe’s elite competition for former side Qarabag last campaign. The Parkhead side certainly look to be bolstering their attacking options as they look set to lose Daizen Maeda to Premier League side Ipswich Town, for a fee in the region of £10m. Maeda, who represented Japan at this summer’s World Cup, is said to be having a medical with the Tractor Boys today, after coming to life in Celtic’s title bid after a below par season, becoming the first Hoops player to score in all five post-split fixtures, netting seven in total including a stunning overhead-kick against Rangers, and a goal on the final day which put Celtic top of the table. Potential replacement Høgh was left out of Knutsen’s side for their match on Wednesday which added fuel to the fire, but the 57-year-old insists it was purely rotational. The Danish international has been involved with the national side following their 4-2 qualifying defeat to Scotland at Hampden, making his debut in the subsequent playoff against North Macedonia. And with a move to the Scottish champions seemingly in the offing, it would suggest their under-pressure hierarchy are starting to accelerate their transfer dealings.

July 23, 2026

Will Ferry and James Penrice Both on the Celtic Radar as Possible Backup

Dundee United star Will Ferry is on the transfer radar of Celtic after an impressive season at Tannadice, as is James Penrice. Ferry is now on the shortlist at Parkhead alongside Penrice as Martin O’Neill looks for cover for current Celtic man Kieran Tierney. The Dundee United man currently has interest from abroad, with a move to the Czech Republic having been turned down by Ferry. A fee of around £1.7 million was accepted by the Tannadice outfit, but Ferry didn’t seem keen on the switch. Blackburn Rovers are also keen. Ferry has made over 80 appearances in tangerine after joining from Cheltenham Town and has been a standout player for the Tannadice squad, with a big-money move looking very likely for the 25-year-old. For Penrice, however, there is plenty of competition, as EFL trio Blackburn Rovers, Norwich City, and Middlesbrough are all said to be interested in the AEK Athens full-back. Celtic’s fierce rivals Rangers are also reported to be tracking the former Hearts man as they look to add extra depth. Penrice began his career in Glasgow with Partick Thistle, which included loan spells with East Fife and Livingston, before joining the Lothian side again in 2021. The full-back became a key player for Livingston, making 96 appearances before joining Hearts, where he impressed highly, earning him a move to Greece. Penrice once again impressed, adding European football to his name after an impressive run in the Conference League, eventually bowing out to finalists Rayo Vallecano 4–3 on aggregate. Celtic were close to getting Sarachi back to Parkhead after a successful loan spell in Glasgow last campaign, but any return to the east end of Glasgow broke down, with Celtic now set to look elsewhere. Celtic fans have been quick to criticise the board for the lack of transfer business this season, with just the one signing of Duran coming in from Qarabag to bolster the attack. Celtic are also set to receive a massive blow, with star man Daizen Maeda set to make a Premier League switch. New boys Ipswich Town are set to sign the Japan international for £10 million, which Celtic will certainly be disappointed with, as many believe the price tag is far too low.

July 22, 2026

A COMPLETE preview of the 2026/27 William Hill Premiership

Millions of eyes from all around the world were fixed on the Scottish Premiership last season as Hearts bid to end the Glasgow-centric dominance that has reigned over Scotland since the 80s. Celtic got the title over the line at the last minute, which many will find disappointing, but the global attention on Scottish football can only be a good thing. Hearts’ weren’t the only underdog story of last season with Motherwell and Falkirk providing excellent stories in their own right. Whilst the 2026/27 season certainly has a hard act to follow in terms of entertainment factor, here’s everything you need to know about the league heading into the next season. Aberdeen: It’s a first full season in charge for Stephen Robinson who replaced Jimmy Thelin in March. It’s always hard to predict how Aberdeen will fair as life post Derrick McInnes can best be described as a rollercoaster. Aberdeen have flirted with relegation the past few years before proving to be too big to go down. But of course, there is the third place season of 2022/23 and the Scottish Cup win in 2025 to counter. It’s been a busy summer in the North East with 10 signings thus far. Stephen Robinson has re-united with Connor Ronan from their time at St. Mirren. They’ll hope the force is with them after signing Obi Wan Kenobi’s great-grandson in Nesta Guinness-Walker, Tony Yogane’s positive loan at Dundee has rewarded him with a move to Aberdeen. They’ve also added household Premiership names in Lewis Mayo and Brad Lyons to name a few. Incomings: Connor Ronan, Alexander Briedl, Lewis Mayo, Brad Lyons, Toyosi Olusanya, Nesta Guinness-Walker, Dan Happe, Ayoub Mouloua, Marius Müller, Tony Yogane. Outgoings: Topi Keskinen, Alexander Jensen, Graeme Shinnie, Ryan Duncan, Marko Lazetic, Tom Mcintrye, Per Kristian Bratviet, Elvis Bwomono, Vicente Besuijen, Alfie Stewart (loan), Alfie Bavidge (loan). What to expect: Mid-table finish. Celtic: Celtic are now five-in-a-row champions, but it somehow feels like a dark cloud is hanging over the club. Despite the drama from the end of last season, it’s fair to say that last season’s Celtic side are probably the worst title winners in recent memory. Although, that speaks to just high the bar is for Celtic. Martin O’Neill will lead Celtic out for another season after signing a further one-year deal, somewhat delaying another managerial appointment. Despite criticisms surrounding their performances or style of play, O’Neill’s Celtic have shown that they can really turn it up when it matters, You can look ash their second half dismantlement of St. Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-final, or snatching the title from Hearts with just minutes remaining, or their comeback against Rangers in the split and much, much more. Unfortunately for Celtic, the fall-out between the fans and the board continues after a lack of signings, with Celtic fans standing firmly behind the ‘not another penny’ campaign until they see change. Failures to secure new deals for Marcelo Sarrachi and Kelechi Iheanacho only add fuel to the fire too. It truly feels like a lot of discontent hangs over the club at the minute. Incomings: Camilo Duran Outgoings: Luis Palma, Maik Nawrocki, Kelechi Iheanacho, Stephen Welsh, Hayato Inamura, Josh Clarke, Shin Yamada (loan), Kasper Schmeichel (retired) What to expect: Title contenders Dundee: When Stephen Pressely was appointed as Dundee boss last season, many eyebrows were raised from Dundee fans and neutrals alike, many even tipped them to go down, but Pressely kept them up at a canter. They’ll be without last season’s star man in Luke Graham after the defender departed for Stoke in a club record deal. Losses of Trevor Carson and Jon McCracken in the goalkeeping department may force the club to look for a replacement between the posts. Incomings: Idris Odutayo, Zan Besir, Alan Forrest, Ryan Finnigan, Owen Bevan Outgoings: Luke Graham, Jon McCracken, Ethan Ingram, Clark Robertson, Paul Digby, Billy Koumetio, Emile Acquah, Lewis Montsma, Trevor Carson (retired) What to expect: Bottom-half/ relegation candidates Dundee United: Much like his former club Aberdeen, Jim Goodwin’s recent career is another rollercoaster. When he took the Tannadice helm in 2023 the club was as good as relegated. Goodwin led them back to the Premiership at the first time of asking, before securing European football upon their Premiership return, even going toe-to-toe with Rapid Vienna in the conference league. They seemed to revert to the mode with a bottom six finish last year. It’s been a busy window on the other side of Dens Road so far. Jack Walton has returned to the club, there’s also been promising signings from Australia whilst Dylan Tait is an impressive signing from their competitors in Falkirk. Incomings: Jesse Randall, Lachlan Rose, Joshua Rawlins, Dylan Tait, Michael Forbes, Jordan Amissah, Jack Walton, Medhi Merghem, Idjessi Metsoko (loan) Outgoings: Craig Sibbald, Ryan Strain, Ashely Maynard-Brewer, Johnny Russell, Kristijan Trapanovski, Dave Richards, Lewis O’Connell, Owen Stiron (loan), Ruairidh Adams (loan) What to expect: Mid-table finish Falkirk: Falkirk returned to the Premiership after 16 years last season, marking a double-promotion with a top-six finish. A side who built on solid home performances last season and nearly secured European football in the process. Falkirk are on the up at the moment and they can build on this success. Or, whatever goes up can come straight back down. They’ve lost star men from last season in Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller, Filip Lissah hasn’t returned to the club following an impressive loan spell. It could well get worse with John McGlynn being one of the leading contenders to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland boss. Incomings: Lewis Nielson, Jack McMillan, Deniss Melniks, Craig Sibbald, Scott Tanser, Jay Hogarth, Ethan Laidlaw, Paul McGovern Outgoings: Barney Stewart, Calvin Miller, Dylan Tait, Jamie Sneddon, Gary Oliver, Brian Graham, Rhys Walker, Sean Mackie What to expect: Bottom-half finish Heart Of Midlothian: Hearts were mere minutes away from becoming the first non Old-Firm cub to win the league in over 40-years. Derrick McInnes has since departed for Rangers and its a completely new look Hearts side for the Wouter Vrancken era. Numerous new signings

July 20, 2026

Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson Opens Up on Transfer Challenges as Fans Await New Signings

Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson has admitted the club’s transfer business has become increasingly difficult, citing fierce competition from English clubs and the growing influence of player agents. The comments came during a question-and-answer session at the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs AGM in Cork on 4 July, where Nicholson appeared alongside chairman Brian Wilson and manager Martin O’Neill. Competition from England Making Deals Tough Despite lifting a domestic league and cup double last season, Celtic have made just one new signing since the summer transfer window opened, bringing in Colombian forward Camilo Duran. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also agreed to extend his stay following his short-term deal last season. Supporters have become increasingly frustrated by the club’s slow progress in the transfer market, particularly after former manager Brendan Rodgers previously voiced concerns over the lack of reinforcements. Addressing those concerns, Nicholson explained that recruiting players is becoming increasingly challenging. He revealed Celtic are competing not only with Premier League clubs but also with teams in the English Championship, while negotiations with player agents have become another significant obstacle. He added that the club are actively exploring opportunities to sign free agents as part of their recruitment strategy. O’Neill Calls for More Signings According to minutes from the meeting, Martin O’Neill told the Celtic board that, despite last season’s domestic success, the current squad is not strong enough to compete at the highest level and is in major need of new additions. O’Neill also outlined the club’s preference for signing younger players, believing they possess greater hunger and ambition while fitting Celtic’s long-term development model. He suggested younger players are less motivated purely by financial offers and are better suited to the club’s philosophy. Long-Term Vision Remains Clear Nicholson also discussed Celtic’s recently finalised long-term strategy, which focuses on three key objectives: Becoming the best club in Scotland. Remaining financially strong and sustainable. Consistently competing in European competition. The club believe balancing financial stability with on-field success remains central to their future plans. Pre-Season Continues Celtic’s preparations for the new campaign have produced mixed results so far. A 1-1 draw with Shelbourne was followed by a heavy 4-1 defeat to Sporting CP. The Hoops will continue their pre-season schedule with fixtures against Middlesbrough and AC Milan before kicking off their Scottish Premiership title defence away to Dundee on 3 August. With supporters eager for fresh arrivals before the competitive campaign begins, attention now turns to whether Celtic can overcome the challenges Nicholson outlined and strengthen Martin O’Neill’s squad in the coming weeks.

July 17, 2026

Craig Gordon Hangs Up the Gloves After Legendary Career

Craig Gordon has announced his retirement, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable careers in Scottish football. Across 25 years, the goalkeeper established himself as one of the finest players ever to wear the Scotland jersey, while earning admiration for his resilience as much as his ability. Gordon hangs up his gloves after making 682 senior club appearances for Hearts, Cowdenbeath, Sunderland and Celtic. He also represented Scotland 84 times, cementing his place among the country’s most-capped players. His professional journey began at Hearts, where he progressed through the club’s academy before gaining valuable experience during a loan spell with Cowdenbeath. His performances helped Hearts win the Scottish Cup in 2006, ending a 50 year wait for the trophy. Gordon’s displays attracted widespread attention, and Sunderland secured his signature in 2007 for around £9 million. The transfer made him Britain’s most expensive goalkeeper at the time. However, Gordon’s time in the Premier League was interrupted by persistent knee injuries. The setbacks became so severe that he was released by Sunderland in 2012 and spent the next two years without a club. Many believed his playing days were over. Instead, Gordon completed one of Scottish football’s greatest comeback stories. Celtic signed him in the summer of 2014, and he immediately proved he had lost none of his quality. His return surprised many, but Gordon quickly established himself as the club’s first choice goalkeeper and became an integral part of a hugely successful period. During six seasons at Celtic Park, he won five Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and five Scottish League Cups. He was also part of several domestic treble winning campaigns as Celtic dominated Scottish football. His return to top-level football also reignited his Scotland career. Gordon reclaimed the number one jersey and remained a reliable presence for the national team well into his forties. More than 20 years after making his international debut, Gordon was still competing at the highest level and helping Scotland on the international stage. In 2020, he returned to Hearts, bringing his career full circle. While many players begin winding down at that stage, Gordon continued to produce performances that demonstrated why he remained one of the country’s best goalkeepers. His leadership helped Hearts win the Scottish Championship and secure an immediate return to the Premiership. Another cruel twist came in December 2022 when Gordon suffered a devastating double leg break. The injury left many fearing that his career had finally reached its conclusion. Once again, Gordon refused to let adversity have the final say. After months of rehabilitation, he completed yet another comeback and returned to competitive football. It was another example of the determination and mental strength that defined his career just as much as his ability between the posts. Away from team honours, Gordon also earned significant individual recognition. He won the SFWA Footballer of the Year award three times and was named SPFL Premiership Player of the Year in 2021-22. Gordon inspired supporters through his refusal to give up, repeatedly proving that hard work and determination could overcome the toughest setbacks. Craig Gordon’s career will be remembered for spectacular saves and unforgettable performances. Above all though, it will be remembered as the story of a player who never stopped believing he could come back stronger. His resilience turned an already exceptional career into one of the most inspiring Scottish football has ever seen.

July 16, 2026

Celtic Announce Camilo Duran as First New Signing of the Summer

Celtic have confirmed the signing of forward Camilo Duran on a year deal, making him the Premiership champions first signing of the summer window. The 24-year-old joins from Azerbaijan side Qarabag, scoring 15 and setting up ten. Five of his goals came in the UEFA Champions League, converting against sides such as Benfica, Frankfurt and Newcastle. The versatile frontman becomes the first Colombian to dawn the green and white hoops of Celtic, and he spoke of his emotion after being confirmed as the first permanent addition in manager Martin O’Neill’s permanent spell. Duran told club media: “I’m very happy, it’s a dream come true to sign for a big club like Celtic, the biggest in Scotland, and I’m just excited to get going and score lots of goals. “When I first heard of the interest there was absolutely no doubt in my mind and I’m just excited to get playing with the boys. “It was a dream come true playing in the Champions League,. “That’s what you dream of as a kid, so to score goals was amazing and that’s what I want to continue doing here, scoring goals in the Champions League. “I give it my all in every game, with a lot of effort and dedication, and hopefully the goals will come. “It’s an honour to be the first Colombian to play for Celtic. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid (to play for my country) and I hope that being here at Celtic and working well, then one day that will become true. “I’ve told the manager how happy I am to be here and that I will hopefully repay him with my performances. It’s a real honour to wear this jersey and I hope that this year we’ll be champions.” Celtic will continue their pre-season in a warm weather Portuguese camp that may see Duran feature against Sporting Lisbon. His first taste of competitive action could come when the Bhoys begin their title defence at Celtic Park on the evening of August 3rd against Dundee.

July 10, 2026

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Signs One-Year Extension at Celtic

Celtic midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a new one-year deal at Parkhead following the expiry of his initial contract. The former Liverpool player signed for Martin O’Neill in February of this year, and netted an injury-time winner on his debut at Celtic Park vs Livingston just four days later, a goal which ultimately proved vital after the Glasgow giants pipped Hearts to the league by only two points in the end. Oxlade-Chamberlain now links up with O’Neill again, with the Northern Irishman in charge this time on a permanent basis and making the former Premier and Champions League winner his first official signing since. The ex-England international told Celtic’s club channels: “I’m delighted to be staying at Celtic for another year. “It was an incredible time last season, and to be part of that success in winning the league and the Scottish Cup was so special. “I’m really excited to be back, and I’m looking forward to meeting up with the boys and getting to work ahead of what will hopefully be another successful season.” The Southampton academy graduate made 12 appearances in total since joining Celtic, scoring twice against Livingston and St. Mirren, and featuring from the bench in Celtic’s 3-1 Scottish Cup Final win over Dunfermline.

July 4, 2026