Ryan Mcginlay

Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston is expected to miss an extended period after a hamstring injury sustained in the 5-1 win over Kilmarnock required a further scan. The setback leaves Martin O’Neill considering additional right-back options before the transfer window closes, despite cover from Anthony Ralston and promising youngster Colby Donovan. Yuki Sugawara and Niko Sigur are reported as potential targets, while O’Neill says Celtic still intends to strengthen the squad regardless of its Champions League outcome.

Motherwell FC has been fined nearly £17,000 by UEFA over incidents during its Conference League qualifying matches. The club received a €4,000 fine for blocked public passageways and a warning concerning the scoreboard during the tie against Havnar Boltfelag, plus a €15,000 fine after supporters entered the field during the away match against HJK Helsinki. Motherwell advanced after winning the second leg but currently trail Freiburg 3-1 in their attempt to reach the Conference League league phase.

Celtic secured a big first-leg Champions League play-off victory over LASK, with Camilo Duran earning the highest rating after scoring twice. Benjamin Nygren also impressed with a goal and assist, while Auston Trusty, Viljami Sinisalo and Colby Donovan were praised for their defensive contributions. Celtic improved after a difficult opening spell and controlled the match more effectively in the second half.

Gent manager Rik De Mil strongly endorses Sebastien Pocognoli's appointment as Scotland head coach, praising his direct communication, close relationship with players and flexible tactical style. De Mil says Pocognoli developed Union Saint-Gilloise into a dominant side and gained valuable experience at Monaco, leaving him ready for the Scotland challenge. The comments come ahead of Gent's UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Hibernian, whose team is managed by David Gray.

Former Celtic player Robbie Keane has joined the BBC's Match of the Day team as a pundit after leaving Ferencvaros and being out of work. He had been considered for Celtic's managerial position earlier in the summer, but Martin O'Neill ultimately received the role after leading the club to a league and Scottish Cup double during his caretaker spell. Keane joins several other new contributors, including Toby Alderweireld, Ashley Young and Thomas Frank.

Cameron Carter-Vickers believes Celtic’s new attacking signings can help the club avoid another Champions League play-off failure. Celtic have scored 10 goals in three matches, with Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur making early contributions. Carter-Vickers says the additions have brought energy and quality to the squad, but warns Celtic must create more chances and be more clinical against Austrian champions LASK after struggling to score against Kairat Almaty last season.

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth, who has rejected a new contract and has one year remaining on his current deal. Blackburn are open to selling the Hungary international, valued at approximately £3 million to £4 million, while Celtic have yet to meet that valuation and may consider a bonus-heavy offer. Toth, who has six Hungary caps, was Blackburn’s Players’ Player of the Year last season. Former Celtic manager Tony Mowbray confirmed that Toth is unlikely to renew his contract but will continue playing while a potential transfer is resolved.

Mika Baur is reported to have completed a medical ahead of a move from SC Paderborn 07 to Celtic. The transfer is reportedly worth about £6.8 million, comprising £4.5 million upfront and £2.3 million in add-ons, with some bonuses linked to Celtic reaching the Champions League league phase. The article also discusses Celtic's recent signing of Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo.

Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston is a major doubt for the Champions League play-off first leg against LASK after being substituted at half-time during the 5–1 win over Kilmarnock with a hamstring niggle. His previous injury history raises concern, and his absence would leave Anthony Ralston or Colby Donovan as potential replacements. Celtic must submit its initial Champions League squad before the tie but can make limited additions before the first leg in Glasgow and the return match in Austria.

The SPFL Tennent’s Sixes indoor football tournament will return at Braehead Arena on October 3 and 4 after a 33-year absence. All 12 William Hill Premiership clubs will take part, with former players competing in the clubs’ 2026/27 kits. The revived tournament will feature regionalised group stages, penalty shoot-outs for drawn matches, bonus points for penalty winners and a sin-bin rule, with Premier Sports broadcasting the event live. Organizers, sponsors and venue executives say the competition’s strong place in Scottish football culture and continued fan interest should attract both longtime supporters and new generations.

Celtic are reportedly in the final stages of signing Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan. Sky Sports News says the clubs have agreed a deal in principle worth just under £6 million initially, with about £3 million in potential add-ons. Hassan is expected to compete for the right-wing position after Celtic's strong opening to the season, while new arrivals Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh have already made positive impressions.

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is reportedly close to joining West Ham United, with journalist Matteo Moretto saying the transfer is imminent and Sky Sports reporting that talks are underway. The 22-year-old Belgian joined Celtic from Augsburg for £11 million in 2024 and has made 98 appearances, scoring 17 goals and providing 21 assists. He has won four major honours with the Scottish club, including two Scottish Premiership titles, a League Cup and a Scottish Cup.

Brighton midfielder and former Celtic player Matt O’Riley says he is open to transfer offers after a difficult season in England. He spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Marseille, recording two goals and five assists, but made only four appearances after returning to Brighton. Celtic are monitoring the situation because they retain a 10% sell-on clause on any profit from his £25 million 2024 transfer.

Martin O'Neill says Celtic intend to become tactically flexible after primarily using a 4-3-3 formation, potentially switching to a 4-4-2 when required. He emphasizes that any change must be practiced during the week. O'Neill welcomes the arrival of striker Kasper Høgh from Bodø/Glimt and hopes Høgh, Camilo Duran and the rest of the squad can share the goalscoring burden rather than relying on one player.

New Celtic striker Kasper Høgh says he hopes to bring Bodø/Glimt’s team-first mentality to the Scottish champions after signing a four-year deal from the Norwegian club. Høgh credited loyalty to the team plan and collective effort for Bodø/Glimt’s success in European competition, and said Celtic must first qualify for the Champions League while maintaining the ambition to dream of further success.

Real Oviedo sporting director David Fernandez says the club is prepared for potential player sales and will control the terms of any departure. Celtic is reportedly interested in winger Haissem Hassan, whose contract has 12 months remaining, while French club RC Lens is also monitoring him. Fernandez says Oviedo intends to retain its best players but will allow others to leave as part of its transfer planning.

Former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan says replacing Daizen Maeda will be as difficult as replacing Kyogo Furuhashi. Celtic have agreed in principle to sell the forward to newly promoted Ipswich Town for £8 million, with potential add-ons taking the fee to £10 million. Allan argues the relatively modest fee reflects Maeda’s contract situation and says his intensity, running power and improved goalscoring were crucial to Celtic winning the league, making him a major loss.

Marcelo Saracchi issued a farewell message confirming he will not return to Celtic after his loan from Boca Juniors, expressing disappointment that a permanent move could not be arranged despite efforts from him and his agent. The defender thanked supporters for their backing and said he hopes to reunite with the club in the future.

Celtic confirmed the permanent transfer of defender Maik Nawrocki to Ligue 1 runners‑up Lens on a four‑year contract after a loan spell at Hannover. Lens sporting director Jean‑Louis Leca praised Nawrocki’s defensive attributes, physical presence and adaptability, noting his potential for further development and ease of integration into the squad. Celtics thanked the player and wished him well as he begins his career in France.

Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo urged teammates to focus on performance amid fan frustration over the club’s slow transfer activity, with only one signing secured so far. He stressed the importance of blocking out negativity and highlighted the positive impact of supporter unity during last season’s successful finish.

Scottish Premiership clubs completed several transfer moves as St Johnstone signed midfielder Macaulay Tait from Hearts, praising the club's momentum and style of play. Dunfermline secured goalkeeper Aston Oxborough from Motherwell after a successful loan period, and Falkirk added experienced right-back Ryan Strain following injuries in their defensive lineup. Each signing aims to strengthen squads ahead of the upcoming season.

Heart of Midlothian confirmed that goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow will leave on August 1 to join Mainz 05 after a key season in which he kept 15 clean sheets and helped secure second place. The club granted his request to return to Germany following the arrival of new goalkeeper Beau Reus, who joins on a three-year deal from Beveren. Schwolow’s exit adds to a series of recent departures as Hearts reshape their squad.

Kelechi Iheanacho has signed a three-year contract with Turkish club Bursaspor, ending Celtic’s hopes of re-signing him after his impactful season in Scotland. The striker scored nine goals in 24 appearances and played a key role in the club’s title campaign. Despite interest from returning manager Martin O’Neill and ongoing discussions involving club director Michael Nicholson, Bursaspor confirmed his arrival in a social media announcement.

Viljami Sinisalo expresses confidence about maintaining his role as Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper amid expected summer competition following new signings and the need to replace Kasper Schmeichel after his injury-related retirement. He emphasizes ambition, readiness, and commitment to remaining the club’s number one.

Elliot Watt received a four‑match suspension for criticising a VAR penalty decision awarded to Celtic in May, which he described as the worst VAR decision in history. The Scottish Football Association also fined Motherwell £5,000 for posting footage of the incident and publicly criticising the ruling. Both parties were charged under regulations prohibiting comments that imply referee bias or incompetence. Watt’s suspension begins immediately, though he may leave for Turkish club Samsunspor before serving the full ban.

Greg Taylor explains that his departure from Celtic was driven by concerns over reduced playing time following Kieran Tierney’s return, which threatened his role as a regular starter. After six successful years and 11 trophies with the club, he chose to move on at an age he felt was right for a new challenge, ultimately joining PAOK. He reflects positively on his time at Celtic despite the decision to leave.

Motherwell winger Elijah Just has attracted increased transfer interest after scoring three goals at the World Cup, prompting discussions about his future. His agent says multiple clubs have made enquiries but decisions will be taken carefully. Celtic, already monitoring him before the tournament, remain interested, while Just continues pre-season training under contract until 2027. Celtic have recently added Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Camilo Duran during the transfer window.

Montrose produced the biggest shock of the Premier Sports Cup group stage with a 1-0 win over Dundee United. Aberdeen, Queen's Park, Dunfermline, Cove Rangers, Dundee, Clyde, Partick Thistle, St. Johnstone, Ayr United and Edinburgh City all recorded victories across their groups, while Kilmarnock secured a bonus-point win on penalties against Raith Rovers and Peterhead defeated Elgin City 3-1.

Shin Yamada has joined OH Leuven on a season‑long loan from Celtic after limited playing time since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale. The move follows a short loan spell with Preussen Munster and comes a week after he scored against Shelbourne. Celtic confirmed the transfer on social media, and Yamada expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity with the Belgian club.

Camilo Duran scored five minutes into his Celtic debut during a pre-season match against Sporting CP in Portugal after coming off the bench despite recent illness. His goal followed pressure on the opposition defender before placing a low shot past the goalkeeper, though Celtic ultimately lost 4–1. Duran expressed excitement about joining Celtic, fulfilling a personal dream, and aiming to score goals, particularly in the Champions League.

Motherwell signed New Zealand goalkeeper Alex Paulsen on a season-long loan from Bournemouth to strengthen competition following Calum Ward’s departure. Manager Alfred Johansson praised Paulsen’s domestic and international achievements and sees the move as an important step in his development. Paulsen expressed enthusiasm about joining the club, citing positive conversations with teammates and coaches and emphasizing his readiness for upcoming fixtures.

Kyle Ure credits his loan spell at Ayr United and the guidance of former Celtic captain Scott Brown for accelerating his development as he trains with Celtic’s first team ahead of a pre‑season match in Portugal. He highlights Brown’s experience, positional understanding and insights into the club as key factors that shaped his growth and decision to join Ayr on loan.

Giorgos Giakoumakis is set to join Al-Ain after the UAE champions reached a preliminary agreement with Cruz Azul. The striker will travel for a medical before finalising the move, which marks the twelfth club of his career. Giakoumakis impressed during a loan at PAOK last season but was not signed permanently. His career has included notable contributions at Celtic, a stint at Atlanta United, and a recent revival in Greece, leading to his latest transfer opportunity.

Auston Trusty shared a reflective Instagram message after the USA’s World Cup exit, expressing pride in representing his country, scoring in the tournament, and hoping his team’s run inspires young players to pursue the sport. The defender looks ahead to returning to Celtic for pre-season, emphasizing that the experience marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Azerbaijan’s London Embassy publicly congratulates Camilo Duran on his expected record transfer from Qarabag to Celtic, highlighting sporting ties between the countries. The Colombian forward is set for a £5.5 million move after an impressive season, including strong Champions League performances, with Celtic expected to announce the signing soon.

Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals by defeating Colombia 4–3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in Vancouver. Ruben Vargas scored the decisive spot-kick, while Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez and Cucho Hernandez failed to convert. Both sides created limited chances, with Colombia striking the crossbar late in extra time and Switzerland’s Zeki Amdouni denied by Camilo Vargas. Coach Murat Yakin praised Switzerland’s discipline, while Colombia’s Luis Suarez expressed disappointment but highlighted the team’s progress.

Celtic are close to signing Colombian striker Camilo Duran, who has travelled to Scotland to complete a medical ahead of a permanent move from Qarabag. The clubs have agreed a contract structure of three years with an optional additional year, while the transfer fee is estimated between £2 million and £3 million. Qarabag are expected to profit significantly after signing Duran last year for under £200,000. Duran scored five goals in ten Champions League matches last season.

Celtic’s slow activity in the transfer window is attributed to the knock‑on effects of the summer’s major tournament, with Peter Grant asserting that Martin O’Neill secured recruitment assurances from Dermot Desmond before taking the job. Grant argues that the squad needs significant strengthening, particularly at striker and centre‑half, while also noting defensive softness and recent injury concerns. He stresses that O’Neill’s experience ensures clarity on squad requirements as the club prepares for the new season and Champions League qualifiers.

Craig Burley sharply criticized FIFA for overturning Folarin Balogun’s red card during the USA’s World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, arguing the decision undermines the competition’s integrity and was influenced by political pressure, including alleged involvement by Donald Trump. UEFA, the Belgian FA and Jurgen Klopp also condemned FIFA’s handling of recent incidents, while Burley cited several past controversies to highlight a pattern of preferential decision-making. He suggested England may seek clarification on Jarell Quansah’s dismissal after similar concerns over consistency.