Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson has admitted the Scottish Premiership champions are struggling to compete with English Championship clubs in the transfer market, as supporter frustration grows over a lack of summer signings.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs in Cork, Nicholson explained the challenges facing the club. Minutes from the meeting have since been released online, shedding light on the frank discussions.
"Michael advised of the difficulty in dealing with agents, competing with the Premier League and even the Championship. He added the club are actively trying to sign out-of-contract players."
O'Neill: Squad Needs Major Surgery
Manager Martin O'Neill was equally blunt, telling the board his squad is "not strong enough to compete" and is in "major need of signings" despite completing a league and cup double last season.
O'Neill outlined a shift towards recruiting younger talents, emphasising they have "better drive, ambition and are more suited to Celtic because they can be developed and aren't swayed as much by wages."
Nicholson also revealed that the club has finalised a long-term strategy—"to be the best club in Scotland, to be financially sound, and to compete in Europe."
Pre-Season Unease
The lack of transfer activity has coincided with a shaky pre-season. Celtic drew 1-1 with Shelbourne before a heavy 4-1 defeat to Sporting. They face Middlesbrough and AC Milan before their Premiership opener against Dundee on 3 August.
The pressure is now firmly on the Celtic hierarchy to back O'Neill in the remaining weeks of the window, or risk falling short in both domestic and European ambitions.
