Former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan has voiced concerns over the club’s transfer business, suggesting the current window could turn out even worse than last summer.
Speaking on the BBC Scottish Football Podcast, Sheridan questioned Celtic’s recruitment structure, the lack of a head of recruitment and the club’s continued reliance on long-standing transfer targets.
Celtic have made a slow start in the market, with frustration growing as supporters wait for further additions ahead of the new campaign.
Sheridan believes the contrast with Rangers has only increased the pressure on the Hoops.
“Especially at a time when you’re seeing Rangers sign players nearly every week,” he said.
“It hasn’t been a good window so far, which you’re kind of saying every year and every six months you’re talking about how they haven’t had a good transfer window.”
Camilo Duran has already arrived, but Sheridan feels the wider recruitment picture points towards a lack of clear leadership behind the scenes.
“It kind of all goes back to the fact there’s no-one in the position of head of recruitment,” he said.
“I just get the feeling that they’re going back to players and transfer targets that were already in place before, maybe from previous people’s targets.”
Sheridan also compared Celtic’s approach unfavourably with Motherwell, who finished fourth last season before manager Jens Berthel Askou moved to Toulouse and several players earned transfers elsewhere.
“Motherwell have a plan in place where guys are signing, they’re able to sign players if there’s a manager there or not,” he said.
“A style of play that they want the club to play in and then a manager can come in, he’ll fit with that style and he can coach whatever players are there.
“That’s the modern model. Celtic are putting themselves under a lot of pressure before a ball is kicked. I just don’t know how much longer Martin O’Neill will kind of just seem to go along with it for now.
“I think it’s going to get to the stage where something will have to happen.”
Celtic ended last season with a league and cup double, but the campaign was still marked by major unrest around recruitment and the club’s wider direction.
Sheridan believes the same warning signs have returned.
“It’s almost a carbon copy of last season, but actually probably worse because everyone thought they’re not going to make the same mistakes,” he added.
With the new season approaching, Celtic’s ability to move quickly in the market will now come under even greater scrutiny. Sheridan’s comments reflect the growing belief that the club cannot afford another window defined by delay, uncertainty and unfinished business.
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