Celtic boss Martin O'Neill demands rapid sign‑ins ahead of Champions League qualifier

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said the club will not “pace” its transfer business, insisting that recruitment must move at “full throttle” as the new season approaches. He warned that only a few domestic matches separate the start of league play from Celtic’s first Champions League qualifier, and that early European defeats in the previous campaign, which sent the team into the Europa League, highlighted the financial stakes of qualifying.

O’Neill, speaking after a pre‑season friendly at Tolka Park, urged that additional players be secured before the crucial qualifying match, noting that reaching the Champions League would bring a major financial reward while missing out would repeat last season’s disappointment. The manager’s urgent call reflects Celtic’s desire to avoid another early European setback and to strengthen the squad for the upcoming domestic and continental challenges.