“I think that we’re relatively close. But those are famous last words,” Martin O’Neill

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The Celtic Star

·14. Januar 2026

“I think that we’re relatively close. But those are famous last words,” Martin O’Neill

Celtic’s transfer plans appear to be gathering momentum according to Martin O’Neill who suggested that movement in the market could arrive sooner rather than later…

Martin O Neill with Julian Araujo. Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, 10 January 2026. Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

The interim Celtic boss indicated that discussions are progressing as the club intensifies efforts to strengthen the squad. So far, the Scottish champions’ only January addition has been Bournemouth full-back Julian Araujo on a loan deal, leaving several priority areas still to be addressed.

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A centre-forward remains the obvious one, though reinforcements in central defence and on the wing are also under consideration, with the possibility of another attacking option not ruled out.

Martin O’Neill Media Conference. Photo social Media

With supporters growing increasingly impatient over the lack of incoming firepower, pressure has ramped up once again around the lack of recruitment activity. Martin O’Neill acknowledged the concerns but stressed that negotiations are ongoing, expressing confidence that the club’s work away from the spotlight will soon deliver results.

Speaking via Celtic’s official YouTube channel, Martin O’Neill said: “I’d love to blame other people but it’s down to me. Nothing has changed really, even when I’ve been out of the game, the January transfer window has always been difficult.

“Unless you’ve identified a player that you absolutely know is going to improve your team and you’re prepared to spend money on him, I think it becomes more difficult.

“The new manager would’ve wanted to have had the January window so he could identify players for his particular system. Now, we are genuinely working really hard on the background. There’s no impediment in that sense. It’s just trying to get some people in just now that we think can at least help us until the end of the season.”

Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill in dugout with Celtic interim assistant manager Shaun Maloney and Celtic assistant coach Gavin Strachan. Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 10 January 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Questioned whether players have been presented to him, O’Neill said: “Essentially, that is true. I have discarded some. Famous last words, but we are making progress – or we think we are. You are talking about agreements with clubs and then secondly with players themselves.”

“And then the player finding out that there’s interest elsewhere. So you’re competing, all these particular things come into consideration which is no surprise to me in that sense.”

“I know you’re thinking we’re halfway through January now, but I think that we’re relatively close. But those are famous last words.”

Conor Spence

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