O'Neill Says Celtic Are Working on 'Couple of New Faces'

What happened:

Watch the highlights:

Martin O'Neill has said Celtic are "making some progress" as the club works to introduce a "couple of new faces" to the squad, according to BBC Football. The update came as O'Neill also addressed Celtic's failure to re-sign Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi, two moves that did not materialize.

The confirmed picture is straightforward: Celtic are still active, O'Neill believes movement is being made, and two previously discussed returns have not happened. What is not confirmed is just as important. The source does not identify the next targets, does not say a deal is close, and does not provide contract terms, medical timelines, or registration details.

Why it matters:

For Celtic, the consequence is less about one individual name and more about squad timing. When a manager says new faces are still being pursued after missed targets, it usually signals that the recruitment need has not disappeared. The club may have alternatives, but the public position remains cautious: progress, not completion.

That distinction matters in tournament terms because squad planning affects early competitive rhythm. New signings who arrive late have less time to settle into tactical demands, build understanding with teammates, and reach match sharpness before important fixtures. Celtic can still strengthen, but every day between interest and completion narrows the preparation window.

Transfer read:

The Iheanacho and Saracchi detail adds useful context. Failed re-signings can mean several things: financial terms did not align, squad role was unclear, rival options emerged, or the club pivoted. The supplied source does not say which applies here, so the only solid inference is that Celtic have had to keep moving through the market rather than simply restoring familiar players.

What to watch:

The next useful signal will be specificity. Names, medicals, fee agreement, loan structure, or official club confirmation would shift this from transfer intent to transfer execution. Until then, O'Neill's wording keeps expectations open but limited. "A couple of new faces" suggests multiple additions are desired, while "making some progress" stops short of promising announcements.

Confidence:

Confirmed by the BBC source: O'Neill said Celtic are making progress on adding new players, wants a couple of new faces, and discussed the failure to re-sign Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi. Still needing follow-up: the identities of any current targets, whether bids have been accepted, and when or if signings will be completed.