Celtic Transfers 2025-26: All Completed Deals and Key Exits

Celtic transfers 2025-26 have shaped a pivotal season at Parkhead, as the club builds on its Scottish Premiership triumph and readies itself for fresh domestic and European challenges. With an ambitious approach in both summer and January windows, the Hoops have made significant moves to refresh the squad, blending established talent with promising youth, while also seeing several notable departures.

Celtic Transfers 2025-26: January Window Activity

The January 2026 transfer window brought immediate reinforcements for Celtic. Julian Araujo, the versatile Mexico international defender, arrived on loan from Bournemouth, bringing experience from top leagues including La Liga and the MLS. Additionally, Czech striker Tomas Cvancara joined on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach, aiming to bolster the Hoops’ attacking options during a crucial phase of the campaign.

Interim manager Martin O’Neill, returning for a second stint after Wilfried Nancy’s short tenure, underlined the club’s urgent need for reinforcements. O’Neill quipped about needing “56 players,” highlighting squad depth concerns amid a challenging window. Araujo and Cvancara’s arrivals reflect the club’s intent to remain competitive across all fronts.

Departures in January 2026

The winter window also saw some exits: Hayato Inamura returned to Japan with FC Tokyo on loan, while speculation swirled around Daizen Maeda’s potential move to Germany, with Bundesliga clubs expressing strong interest. Ben Summers and Mitchell Robertson also departed on loan to Ayr United and Livingston, respectively, as Celtic fine-tuned the squad for the season’s second half.

Major Celtic Transfers 2025-26: Summer Window Overview

Celtic’s summer 2025 transfer business began with a strong statement—the return of local hero Kieran Tierney on a free transfer from Arsenal. Tierney’s leadership and deep connection with the fans add both quality and heart to the left-back position.

Swedish forward Benjamin Nygren arrived for £2 million from Nordsjælland, adding versatility and depth to the attack. Goalkeeper Ross Doohan was secured on a free from Aberdeen, while young talents Isaac English (from Greenock Morton) and Callum Osmand (from Fulham) were recruited for future development.

The defensive line was further strengthened with Hayato Inamura from Albirex Niigata and Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale. Manchester City’s Jahmai Simpson-Pusey joined on loan, offering additional defensive cover. On deadline day, Sebastian Tounekti signed for £5.2 million, and seasoned Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho joined from Sevilla on a free transfer, providing proven experience up front.

Summer 2025 Departures: Key Players Move On

Several long-serving and promising players left Celtic in the summer. Scott Bain joined Falkirk on a free, while Greg Taylor moved to Greek side PAOK. West Ham United snapped up youth prospect Daniel Cummings, and Matthew Anderson headed to KV Kortrijk. Maik Nawrocki was loaned to Hannover 96, and German winger Nicolas Kühn was sold to Serie A club Como for a reported £17 million—a significant financial boost.

Ireland international Adam Idah switched to Swansea City, and Stephen Welsh joined Motherwell on loan. Defenders Gustaf Lagerbielke and Luis Palma departed for Braga and Lech Poznan, respectively. Kwon Hyeok-kyu completed a move to Nantes, and Adam Montgomery went on loan to Livingston.

Celtic Transfers 2025-26: Complete List of Ins and Outs

Arrivals

• Kieran Tierney (Arsenal, Free)
• Benjamin Nygren (Nordsjælland, £2m)
• Ross Doohan (Aberdeen, Free)
• Isaac English (Greenock Morton, Undisclosed)
• Callum Osmand (Fulham, Development Compensation)
• Hayato Inamura (Albirex Niigata, Undisclosed)
• Shin Yamada (Kawasaki Frontale, £1.5m)
• Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (Manchester City, Loan)
• Julian Araujo (Bournemouth, Loan)
• Tomas Cvancara (Borussia Monchengladbach, Loan)
• Sebastian Tounekti (Hammarby, £5.2m)
• Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla, Free)

Departures

• Scott Bain (Falkirk, Free)
• Greg Taylor (PAOK, Free)
• Daniel Cummings (West Ham United, Free)
• Joey Dawson (Scunthorpe United, Undisclosed)
• Matthew Anderson (KV Kortrijk, Undisclosed)
• Maik Nawrocki (Hannover 96, Loan)
• Nicolas Kühn (Como, £17m)
• Gustaf Lagerbielke (Braga, £2m)
• Luis Palma (Lech Poznan, Loan)
• Adam Montgomery (Livingston, Loan)
• Josh Clarkle (Partick Thistle, Loan)
• Kwon Hyeok-kyu (Nantes, Undisclosed fee)
• Adam Idah (Swansea City, Undisclosed fee)
• Stephen Welsh (Motherwell, Loan)
• Hayato Inamura (FC Tokyo, Loan)
• Ben Summers (Ayr United, Loan)
• Mitchell Robertson (Livingston, Undisclosed)

Squad Evolution and Transfer Strategy

The 2025-26 season’s transfer activity highlights Celtic’s balanced approach—leaning on experienced returnees like Tierney and Iheanacho, while nurturing young prospects and adapting to shifting tactical needs. Financial prudence was evident, with lucrative outgoings such as Kühn’s move to Como and measured investments in versatile attackers and defenders.

Managerial changes have added a layer of uncertainty, yet the club’s transfer business suggests a focus on flexibility and depth. O’Neill’s interim leadership may only be temporary, but the January moves indicate a short-term push to stabilize and compete on multiple fronts.

For more news on Celtic transfers 2025-26 and the latest football updates, visit for more news.

Opinion: Aiming for Balance Amid Ambition

Celtic’s transfer dealings for the 2025-26 campaign strike a delicate balance between immediate reinforcements and long-term squad building. The return of Tierney excites the fanbase, while fresh faces like Nygren and Tounekti hint at a more dynamic style. However, the sheer number of exits—especially talented youngsters—raises questions about depth and continuity. If the new signings gel quickly and the managerial situation stabilizes, Celtic look well-placed to defend their domestic crown and potentially make a deeper run in Europe.