“Not The Case!” – Martin O’Neill Rubbishes Celtic Transfer Narrative

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has addressed whether failing to qualify for the Champions League will affect the Hoops’ remaining transfer business.

Questions have been asked over whether missing out on the Champions League means previous targets will now be abandoned and whether the number of signings Celtic make will be reduced.

O’Neill strongly pushed back on that suggestion and revealed that he is hopeful the squad will be “supplemented” in time for their Europa League campaign, which includes games against Benfica and Marseille.

He said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “I think that’s not the case, really. I think that we’re still trying to get some players in. We would need a few in, obviously, to supplement the squad.

“Just with the games that you’ve just pointed out to me, you know, European matches, some of these teams, I think Benfica’s performance against Hearts showed that they are probably, you know, a Champions League team. Marseille, you know, you could go on forever in a day. The competition is still very strong.

“And I’ve known this from the past, that quite a number of teams in this competition could easily take their place in the Champions League. But the prestige is not there the same. It’s still a great competition. And obviously the finance is the big thing.

“But I’m hoping that we can get some people in before the deadline.”

It does not sound as though O’Neill has been told that Celtic will be unable to pursue previous targets or that the transfer budget will be cut.

Instead, his comments suggest the club are still working on their targets and remain hopeful of completing deals before Thursday’s deadline.

Celtic supporters will hope the club can make the quality additions that looked badly needed against LASK, including a central midfielder, left-back and goalkeeper.

Further additions at right-back and in midfield could also be considered, with O’Neill himself appearing to drop a not-so-subtle hint that three signings could still arrive before the window closes.