The Parkhead decision-makers are facing flak over the lack of movement in the transfer window
22:25, 14 Jan 2026Updated 23:02, 14 Jan 2026
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill(Image: )
Boss Martin O’Neill insisted that it is not the Celtic board that are limiting transfer business this month – insisting he is vetoing arrivals.
The Hoops kept up the pressure on league leaders Hearts – who saw off St Mirren with 10 men – after a goal from Benjamin Nygren against Falkirk was enough for Celtic to reclaim second spot. But it was a lacklustre display from the Scottish champions as John McGlynn’s side were unfortunate not to take at least a point.
Attention quickly turns back to the transfer window for the Parkhead support with the club in dire need of recruits in their bid to catch Derek McInnes’ men. A striker is top of the shopping list after Birmingham City star Kyogo Furuhashi knocked back a return to Glasgow’s east end last week.
O’Neill has been open about the club’s need for recruits – with fans keen to see the club make more moves in the winter market. Speaking to O’Neill after the Premiership win over the Bairns, former Motherwell defender and Premier Sports interviewer Craigan stated that there was “narrative” around the Parkhead board being that they are “hesitant at bringing signings in” before O’Neill interjected.
He quickly answered: “Well, no, that’s not the case at all here from the board. The board have been very helpful.
“Part of it is me, it’s obviously not something I had in mind at Christmas – I was at home, enjoying myself, didn’t think about trying to sign players in the January transfer window. I am getting great help from the backroom staff.
“We are seeing a lot of players. We are pretty hopeful. If you consider we have a cup game on Sunday, and then a European game, the people we might try to bring in wouldn’t be available anyway.
“Certainly wouldn’t be able to play in the European game. So, we have a little bit of time so please don’t press me, Stephen, don’t press me, in that sense. You are right to ask the question, absolutely, and nobody is stopping me – we are trying to do your best. I have seen as many players in the last few days as I have seen in a decade.”
A host of names have been mentioned with Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana and Lorient attacker Mohamed Bamba emerging in the last 48 hours.
Pressed on if there was an “imminent” deals the Celtic fans could get excited about, O’Neill joked: “Well, I couldn’t spell imminent, so it doesn’t matter.
“But we are hopeful, we are definitely hopeful we will get players in.”
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