Sky Sports
·26 Aug 2026
Celtic Knocked Out of the Champions League: How Will the Hoops Respond to the Collapse in the Transfer Window?
Celtic's 5-4 aggregate defeat to LASK after leading by four goals has exposed wider problems than one poor performance, including squad depth, transfer-market planning, tactical decisions and weaknesses in the club's football structure. Missing out on the Champions League removes at least £40m in expected revenue and could prevent planned moves for players such as Gvidas Gineitis and Ermin Mahmic, while leaving Celtic with multiple positions to fill before the transfer deadline. The result also damages Scotland's UEFA coefficient position and makes future Champions League qualification more difficult. The article argues that Celtic's board must invest heavily in the squad, strengthen recruitment and football operations, and compete seriously in the Europa League to prevent renewed protests and negativity from supporters.