Martin resigned to losing Star trio although he hopes for a change of heart | OneFootball

Martin O’Neill is resigned to losing star Celtic trio, although he still hopes for a change of heart…

Midseason Friendly, Tolka Park, Dublin 7/7/2026 Shelbourne vs Celtic .Celtic manager Martin O’Neill. Photo IMAGO

Martin O’Neill has spoken about the trio of players who are tipped to leave the club in the coming weeks, and like the supporters doesn’t want to see them leave, but knows deep down like the rest of us that he’s fighting a losing battle.

23rd May 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Final Football, Celtic versus Dunfermline; Daizen Maeda of Celtic with the trophy

Martin gave his thoughts on Daizen Maeda, and his fellow countryman Reo Hatate, both of whom are tipped to depart Glasgow in the coming weeks.

First up he gave his thoughts on star man Daizen, saying “I think there’s some resignation in that aspect.

“It isn’t one of those where he’s got a year left to run and we want to try and make something of it in the sense of getting money.

“It’s not that at all. Personally speaking, I would love it if he just let his contract run through. And played for the last year.

“Honestly, it would be super. I don’t know whether that’s in his mind or in his agent’s mind.”

1st March 2026; Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Reo Hatate of Celtic shoots and misses from the penalty spot and then scores a rebound in the 91st minute to make it 2-2

MON then added on Reo: “I think that Reo has done exceptionally well at the football club since he arrived.

“People have said he might even have been the best player in Scotland two or three years ago.

I’d love to keep [Maeda] at the football club. He’s done brilliantly, and he’s got a year left to run.

“But I said to him, if he left the football club, I would be obviously disappointed, but he couldn’t have done any more for us.

“And Reo himself, let’s see what options might be around. But if nothing develops, I’d be very happy to keep him.”

Arne Engels who was the subject of an 11th hour bid by EPL side Nottingham Forest in January, looks increasingly likely to leave, with more bids expected for the Belgian, and O’Neill himself seems resigned to losing the clubs record signing.

He said: “If, for instance, all those bids that Nottingham Forest made come in on the 11th hour – that was just a non-goer for us at that particular stage.

“So if some things can happen a bit earlier, then maybe there’s some resignation on my part.”

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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