Martin O'Neill issues major update on Celtic transfer plans - 'Not at the minute...'

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Martin O’Neill says Celtic are not looking to sign a centre-back this summer after reiterating he is “happy” with his current options.

The Bhoys have been linked with several players as they look to strengthen their squad before the transfer window shuts in Scotland on 3 September.

However, O’Neill has ruled out reinforcements at centre-back, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Dane Murray on the books.

When asked about possible additions at centre-back, O’Neill told reporters: “No, not at the minute. Yeah, I am [happy with current options].

“Big Dane (Murray) is two years behind because of injuries. I think he's got a lot of potential.

“Scales and Trusty – yeah. With Carter-Vickers out last year, it was a bit of a problem because Trusty ended up playing on the right-hand side.

“Now, hopefully we've got a bit of balance.”

Compared

Auston Trusty

D (C)

Celtic

Auston Trusty

D (C)

Celtic

VS

Liam Scales

D (C)

Celtic

Liam Scales

D (C)

Celtic

2025/2026

Season Statistics

2025/2026

40	Tackles	41
29	Interceptions	54
2618	Passes	4012
2	Goals	2

Trusty and Scales were Celtic’s main two centre-backs last season as Carter-Vickers missed most of the campaign after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

Carter-Vickers, 28, is back on the mend, however, and has started all four of Celtic’s pre-season friendlies this summer.

The American is in contention to feature from the get-go when Celtic open up their Scottish Premiership title defence against Dundee at Parkhead on Monday evening.

O'Neill asks Celtic fans for patience over lack of incomings

Celtic have so far signed strikers Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran ahead of their first full season under O’Neill since 2004-05.

The 74-year-old was named permanent manager in June after two interim spells last season. He led the club to the league title following a dramatic victory over Hearts on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign.

Celtic have recently been linked with moves for Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis and Haissem Hassan of Real Oviedo.

But the Scottish giants are also facing a battle to keep hold of star duo Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels, who have interest from Everton and West Ham United.

O'Neill called for patience from Celtic fans earlier this week, amid growing frustration over a lack of incomings this summer.

He told Sky Sports: “We’re trying to get some quality into the football club.

“We've lost Daizen [Maeda to Ipswich Town], he was a big, big player for us and so we have to replace him. I think that we're doing our best to do that.

“We will get some more players in, there's no question about that, but I want quality rather than quantity.”