Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has moved to reassure supporters that the club's transfer window activity is about to shift up a gear, with Camilo Durán set to become the first new arrival at Parkhead.
The 24-year-old is on the verge of completing a £6 million move from Qarabag, having undergone a medical after a stellar 2025-26 campaign in which he netted five goals in the Champions League.
Durán deal nears completion
O'Neill admitted that fans' patience has been tested by the lack of incomings so far this summer, but insisted that work is being done behind the scenes.
"We have a number of players that we're looking at," O'Neill said. "We've had a number of offers in for players as well too at the same time. And I'm hoping in the not-too-distant future, and I mean maybe in the next couple of weeks, that we will have some really decent players at the football club to add to the very decent players we have at the football club."
The Colombian attacker's imminent arrival would provide a much-needed boost to a squad that fought back to claim the Scottish Premiership title last season but has seen limited reinforcements since.
Veteran retention and returning stars
While new faces are awaited, Celtic have tied down experienced midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to a one-year contract extension after his initial short-term deal in January. Meanwhile, defender Cameron Carter-Vickers made his first appearance since October in a friendly against Shelbourne, having recovered from a ruptured Achilles.
"At first, I just thought I had a bit of cramp in my calf," the USA international revealed. "Pretty soon after that, when the physios saw it, they thought it was a rupture in the Achilles, which it turned out to be. Obviously at that point, you know it's going to be a long-term injury."
Sutton calls for major investment
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes the club may need to spend more than £50 million to overhaul the squad and compete on multiple fronts.
"Martin worked wonders last season. I didn't see Celtic winning the title from the position which he was put in on a couple of occasions," Sutton told Sky Sports News. "There needs to be a lot of change at Celtic in terms of recruitment. They've got the Champions League qualifier which is really important. Martin will be looking to, I'm sure, bring players in. It'll be interesting to see who goes out from Celtic. It looks like Reo Hatate will go, possibly Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels but they're big players for the team. Celtic are possibly going to have to spend up to or more than £50m really because the squad does need a rebuild."
Key Takeaways
- Camilo Durán is poised to become Celtic's first summer signing in a £6m deal from Qarabag.
- Martin O'Neill promises more additions within weeks to strengthen the squad.
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has extended his stay, and Cameron Carter-Vickers is back from long-term injury.
- Chris Sutton warns that a £50m outlay may be needed to retain the title and compete in Europe.
- Celtic begin their Premiership defence at home to Dundee on August 3, live on Sky Sports.
Quick Facts
Transfer fee: £6m
Player age: 24
Previous club: Qarabag
New contract: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, one-year extension
Returning player: Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles injury)