Celtic Transfers 2025-26: All Signings and Departures

Celtic transfers for 2025-26 have reshaped the Scottish champions’ squad as they look to build on recent domestic success and make a mark in Europe. The Hoops approached this campaign with ambition, blending fresh faces with experienced talent, despite facing managerial changes at the start of the season.

Celtic Transfers 2025-26: Key Arrivals and Strategy

The club’s transfer activity this year reflects a focus on both immediate impact and long-term potential. With interim manager Martin O’Neill back at the helm following Wilfried Nancy’s departure, the need for reinforcements was clear. O’Neill joked about needing “56 players,” highlighting the intensity and urgency behind Celtic’s transfer dealings.

January 2026 Window: Strengthening the Squad

The January window saw two notable loan additions. Julian Araujo, the dynamic Mexican right-back previously at Barcelona and Bournemouth, joined on loan to shore up the defense. Alongside him, Czech striker Tomas Cvancara arrived from Borussia Monchengladbach, adding physicality and proven scoring ability up front. These moves underline the club’s desire to address key squad gaps mid-season.

Departures during this period included Hayato Inamura heading back to Japan on loan with FC Tokyo, while Daizen Maeda attracted interest from Bundesliga clubs, indicating possible further changes before the window closes.

Summer 2025: Major Moves and the Return of a Fan Favourite

The summer transfer window brought significant change. Kieran Tierney’s return on a free transfer from Arsenal delighted fans, reuniting the club with a homegrown talent and leader. Swedish forward Benjamin Nygren added attacking depth after his £2m move from Nordsjælland, while seasoned Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho joined from Sevilla, boosting options up front.

Other summer arrivals included goalkeeper Ross Doohan (Aberdeen, free), promising youngsters Callum Osmand (Fulham, development compensation), and Isaac English (Greenock Morton, undisclosed). Japanese defender Hayato Inamura (Albirex Niigata) and Shin Yamada (Kawasaki Frontale, £1.5m) added international flavor and potential.

Notably, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey arrived on loan from Manchester City, offering versatility at the back. On deadline day, Celtic secured Sebastian Tounekti (Hammarby, £5.2m), further diversifying their attacking options.

Celtic Transfers 2025-26: Notable Departures

Several departures helped balance the books and make room for new arrivals. Long-serving goalkeeper Scott Bain (Falkirk, free) and left-back Greg Taylor (PAOK, free) were among the most high-profile exits. Midfielder Nicolas Kühn’s switch to Como in a deal worth up to £17m marked a significant move both financially and for squad depth.

Youngsters Daniel Cummings (West Ham, free), Joey Dawson (Scunthorpe United, undisclosed), and Matthew Anderson (KV Kortrijk, undisclosed) left in search of first-team opportunities. Maik Nawrocki (Hannover 96, loan) and Adam Idah (Swansea City, undisclosed) followed suit, while Gustaf Lagerbielke transferred to Braga in a £2m deal.

Additional loans included Ben Summers (Ayr United), Mitchell Robertson (Livingston), Adam Montgomery (Livingston), and Josh Clarkle (Partick Thistle). International midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu left for Nantes, and Honduran winger Luis Palma joined Lech Poznan on loan.

Financial Management and Squad Evolution

Celtic transfers for 2025-26 have balanced immediate needs with long-term sustainability. The club’s strategy, shaped by evolving managerial circumstances and financial realities, aims to maintain domestic dominance and build a squad capable of making deeper runs in European competition.

The mix of returning icons, international experience, and youth prospects suggests a deliberate approach to squad building. While some fans may worry about the volume of departures, the arrivals offer a blend of familiarity and fresh energy, critical for Celtic’s ambitions.

Outlook and Opinion

As the January window remains open, further tweaks are likely. Celtic’s proactive transfer approach—combining smart loans, shrewd free transfers, and targeted investments—positions the club well for another title push and European aspirations.

In my view, this transfer period reflects the club’s ability to adapt under pressure. The return of Kieran Tierney offers both quality and leadership, while additions like Nygren and Iheanacho provide a new edge in attack. Navigating managerial change is never easy, but the current squad’s depth suggests Celtic are well-equipped for the challenges ahead.

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