Martin O’Neill Sets Ambitious Goals for Celtic’s January Transfer Window

Martin O’Neill is poised to make his first signings for Celtic since 2005, expressing his commitment to bolstering the team during the upcoming January transfer window.

Having been reappointed at Celtic Park for the second time this season, O’Neill embarks on his third tenure with the club. His return was confirmed shortly after the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy, who was let go following a series of six defeats in eight matches.

“We need to supplement the squad in some capacity,” O’Neill stated in an interview with TalkSport. “January transfer windows present their own challenges, making it difficult to acquire the players we ideally want, but we are fully committed to enhancing the team.”

O’Neill, now 73, acknowledged that while he has not been explicitly tasked with winning the Scottish Premiership, the team’s current position—six points behind league leaders Hearts—demands urgent action. “It will be very difficult. We are trailing, and Rangers have also closed the gap,” he remarked, emphasizing the expectation for immediate results in today’s football landscape.

Reflecting on his return, O’Neill remarked that the circumstances were similar to when he first took over the club. Despite the recent poor results, he found the opportunity to return to Celtic—under major shareholder Dermot Desmond—impossible to refuse.

He will be supported by Shaun Maloney and Stephen McManus in his managerial role. O’Neill expressed uncertainty about his long-term future at the club, stating, “I genuinely can’t see that. I may not have the energy for a prolonged commitment. My focus is solely on achieving results in the immediate months ahead, and I understand that failure to win matches will place me under pressure, starting this weekend.”