Martin O'Neill set to stay as Celtic manager after title and cup double

Celtic are on the verge of naming Martin O'Neill as their permanent manager on a one-year deal after he led them to a domestic double.

O'Neill's appointment praised Paul Lambert, a former club captain, called Celtic's potential appointment of Martin O'Neill as manager a clear and obvious choice. O'Neill will continue at the club after two interim spells ended with a league championship and Scottish Cup win last season. The club has not yet made the move official but has chosen continuity as their priority heading into another challenging summer. Lambert explained that O'Neill understands the club's expectations and culture better than anyone else. ## Summer transfer challenges ahead Celtic face a significant rebuild this summer as they aim to maintain last season's success. The club must navigate a complex transfer window while avoiding the pitfalls that disrupted parts of the previous campaign. Continuity in leadership is seen as vital to keep the club on track, especially after overcoming difficulties earlier in the season. ## Key players set to depart More than 10 first-team players could leave Celtic this summer, marking the biggest squad overhaul since 2021. Confirmed exits include goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who retired due to injury. Out-of-contract players Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kelechi Iheanacho are free to leave. Loaned players Marcelo Saracchi, Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Benjamin Arthur, Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka will return to their parent clubs. Saracchi impressed as a backup left-back, but a permanent deal remains uncertain. ## Maeda's future uncertain Japan forward Daizen Maeda, instrumental in Celtic's late title charge, is in the final year of his contract and seeking a new challenge after a proposed move was blocked last summer. O'Neill suggested Maeda's appearance in the Scottish Cup final was likely his last for the club. Midfielder Arne Engels has also been a target for suitors, with Celtic rejecting a £25m bid in January. Reo Hatate's potential exit remains a possibility as well. ## McGregor and Nygren in focus Swedish forward Benjamin Nygren has drawn interest after a strong debut season in Scotland. Callum McGregor's future is also in question after he stressed the need for the club to match his ambitions. McGregor stated, 'I want to be here. I just want to make sure that the club continue to push and want to be successful.' He hinted at uncertainty over his long-term future, previously linked with moves to Saudi Arabia under former manager Brendan Rodgers. ## Rebuild must avoid past mistakes Celtic must learn from last season's transfer errors to prevent a repeat of last year's failures. Late incomings, including Michel-Ange Balikwisha, arrived too late to impact Champions League qualifying. The squad lacked depth, particularly in attack, frustrating supporters who criticized the board's delayed investment. The Champions League play-offs on August 18-19 loom large as a key test for the new-look team. ## January window signings failed to impress When O'Neill returned for his second interim spell, he emphasized the need for squad reinforcements in January. However, none of the loaned players signed then made a lasting impact. Some were injured, others were clearly not trusted by O'Neill. This pattern must change this summer, with Lambert hoping O'Neill will have the final say on new arrivals. ## Forward positions remain priority Striker Kyogo Furuhashi, who left two years ago, has not been adequately replaced. Jota's absence due to long-term injury has weakened the attack, which scored just 73 league goals last term compared to 112 in 2024-25 under Rodgers. If Maeda departs, securing a reliable forward will be essential. O'Neill's first summer at Celtic in 2000 saw the signings of Chris Sutton, Joos Valgaeren and Alan Thompson, a model the club could aim to replicate.