Celtic Advances with Key Signings as O’Neill Eyes Further Transfers

Sportscene Highlights: Celtic vs. Falkirk
01/02/2026

Celtic’s interim manager, Martin O’Neill, announced that two prospective signings are currently undergoing medical evaluations, hinting at the possibility of further transactions following the team’s 2-0 victory over Falkirk, which propelled them above Rangers into second place in the Scottish Premiership.

The Parkhead club has secured Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara – both on loan – during the winter transfer window from Bournemouth and Borussia Monchengladbach, respectively.

Supporters have frequently voiced concerns regarding a perceived lack of investment this season, while the recruitment from the previous summer has been inconsistent at best.

Benjamin Nygren continues to lead as Celtic’s top scorer, increasing his tally to 15 goals with his second against Falkirk. However, players such as Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti have not met expectations. Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined as a free agent, has struggled with form and fitness. Although Kieran Tierney has shown moments of brilliance, he has not recaptured the form he displayed prior to his departure to Arsenal in 2019.

The victory over Falkirk allowed O’Neill’s team to reclaim second place after Rangers were held to a draw by Hibernian, although they still trail leaders Hearts by six points.

“We are [close to transfers],” O’Neill stated. “We’ve some medicals happening at the moment, and fingers crossed the players will come through successfully.

“There are a couple more in the pipeline, and we hope to make additional signings before the window closes. That would enhance our chances. We will continue to press until the end and see what unfolds.”

O’Neill was specifically asked about Norwegian forward Joel Mvuka from Lorient and Austrian striker Junior Adamu from Freiburg, both of whom have been linked to Celtic. While he did not confirm that they were the players undergoing medicals, he remarked to BBC Scotland, “You would be pretty well close.”

With the transfer window set to close on Monday at 23:00 GMT, former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner expressed cautious optimism regarding the news but also frustration over the prolonged process of securing reinforcements.

“That’s the most promising update I’ve heard from the manager in recent weeks,” Bonner shared on Sportsound. “Once players reach the medical stage, it typically indicates that the deals are nearing completion. It has been a drawn-out process, and they need to learn from this in the future.”

It remains uncertain whether Celtic will finalize any deals before Monday’s deadline, but O’Neill has made it clear that he believes the squad requires bolstering to compete for silverware.

Celtic’s newest addition, Cvancara, made a notable impact in his debut against Hearts last weekend by assisting Yang Hyun-jun in a 2-2 draw and scored a goal against Falkirk with a well-placed glancing header. The Czech international had more touches in the Falkirk penalty area than any other Celtic player, leading O’Neill to suggest that there is significant potential for further development in the striker.

“It was a crucial breakthrough, which was much needed,” O’Neill commented. “This will certainly provide him with a substantial confidence boost. While there are aspects of his game that need refinement, he is eager to prove himself, and I believe there is considerable talent there.”

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