Key Players Under Scrutiny
Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda, and Callum McGregor have been pivotal figures for Celtic. However, recent comments from manager Martin O'Neill over the weekend have done little to ease supporters' concerns regarding the club's activity in the summer transfer window.
So far, the Scottish champions have only secured Colombian striker Camilo Duran from Azerbaijan's Qarabag, despite O'Neill's intent to reshape the squad following a near miss of the league title to Heart of Midlothian last season.
O'Neill was quoted as saying he has resigned himself to the possibility of losing Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda, and plans to discuss Callum McGregor's future with the captain, who has reportedly signed with a new agency.
BBC Scotland examines the value and significance of each player and the potential consequences for O'Neill and Celtic should they depart.
Impressive Stats and Numerous Medals
Engels joined Celtic in the summer window of 2024 from Bundesliga side Augsburg. While not a direct replacement, he was largely brought in to fill the void left by Denmark international Matt O'Riley, who transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion after scoring 19 goals in 49 appearances the previous season.
The 22-year-old, capped four times for Belgium, has yet to replicate O'Riley's numbers at Celtic, though O'Riley himself did not reach such figures until the 2023-24 campaign after joining in early 2022.
Engels scored ten goals in the 2024-25 season and seven the term before, demonstrating his potential as a consistent midfield scorer.
Notably, his two most recent goals came in decisive victories: the final-day Scottish Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian and the Scottish Cup final win over Dunfermline Athletic.
Additionally, Engels contributed eight assists last season, underscoring his role in Celtic's recent successes.
Forward Daizen Maeda reached a peak in the 2024-25 season, netting 33 goals in 51 appearances. He has also scored double figures in three other full seasons at Celtic, including 17 goals in 2025-26 and eight in the latter half of the 2021-22 campaign.
His 38 assists have significantly contributed to the ten trophies, including five league titles, won during his tenure at the club.
Meanwhile, Callum McGregor's importance is unquestionable. As one of Celtic's most decorated players and captain, he boasts 26 honours, including 11 league titles.
The former Scotland midfielder has tallied 77 goals and 84 assists in 576 appearances since his breakthrough in 2014.
Intangible Qualities and Attractive Prospects
Beyond statistics, the players' intangible qualities add to their value.
At 33, McGregor is in the latter stages of his career, but his experience and leadership are difficult to replace.
Maeda, aged 28, brings World Cup experience with Japan and likely has his best years ahead, a sentiment that also applies to the younger Engels.
Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglu praised Maeda's "world-class" pressing abilities during this summer's finals, highlighting his value. McGregor has long been the team's heartbeat, assuming increased responsibility since succeeding Scott Brown as captain in 2021.
These attributes make all three players appealing to potential suitors. Engels' talent and growth potential, Maeda's versatility and experience, and McGregor's leadership are significant draws.
Maeda's anticipated 2025 move to Wolfsburg did not materialize, and Engels attracted interest from Nottingham Forest last season.
Both players' early-season form dips were attributed by some to disappointment over failed transfers, though they finished the season strongly. Engels, however, did not secure a place in Belgium's World Cup squad.
Speculation about McGregor's future is longstanding, given his 12 years of top performance at Celtic.
He demonstrated loyalty by retiring from international football to focus on Celtic.
"I'm happy to finish my career at Celtic only if they continue to push and want to be successful," McGregor stated in April.
This statement preceded Celtic's late-season surge under O'Neill that secured the title from Hearts. At his age, McGregor may still have one significant move left, despite being contracted until 2028, as is Engels.
Maeda has only one year remaining on his contract, meaning Celtic have just two transfer windows to capitalize financially.
Manager O'Neill's Perspective
Celtic will commence their season defending the Premiership title at home against Dundee on 3 August, followed by an away match at Kilmarnock six days later. A League Cup fixture is scheduled for the weekend of 15/16 August.
Subsequently, Celtic face potentially their most significant fixtures of the season in the Champions League play-off round on 18/19 and 25/26 August, with a league match in between.
Their opponent remains unknown, but Celtic will be seeded and aim to avoid a repeat of last season's penalty shootout defeat to Kairat at this stage.
After formalizing his extended tenure following two interim spells last season, O'Neill told Celtic TV he is working to "augment the squad."
Since then, the club has signed Camilo Duran, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has joined James Forrest, Luke McCowan, and Liam Scales in agreeing new contracts.
O'Neill has also hinted at his tactical vision for the 2026-27 season.
"When we have possession of the ball, it's great to keep it and absolutely right, but I'd like us to keep it for a purpose," he explained.
As always, O'Neill remains cautious, making it difficult to infer much without seeing Celtic's performances.
However, losing Engels and/or McGregor would create a significant void in midfield, while Maeda's departure would pose a considerable challenge in attack due to his versatility on the wings and centrally.
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