Celtic’s manager search stalls summer sign‑on activity

Celtic remain without a permanent manager as the club weighs former interim Martin O’Neill against former striker Robbie Keane. O’Neill enjoys broad fan support after delivering a domestic double, while Keane is reportedly the favoured candidate of owner Dermot Desmond. The uncertainty has forced the club to pause all summer signings until a permanent gaffer is confirmed.

Club officials say scouting continues, but “no signings will be green‑lit before a gaffer is in the door with his feet planted under the desk,” wrote Mark Hendry. Meanwhile, rivals Rangers have completed a deal for Lawrence Shankland and Hearts have added several new players, highlighting Celtic’s relative inactivity. The delay comes as the team prepares for Champions League qualifiers in August and faces expected departures, heightening pressure on the board to resolve the managerial vacancy promptly.