Martin O'Neill races to add more signings after six arrivals

Under the floodlights at Celtic Park, Martin O'Neill paced the sidelines last night, still hunting for another addition after his side secured six new faces in a frantic 24‑hour window. The Scottish champions, fresh from a routine win over Aberdeen, moved quickly to bolster the squad ahead of the transfer deadline.

New arrivals reinforce goalkeeping and attack

Former England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone arrived on a season‑long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, providing experienced cover between the posts. Chelsea striker Shim Mheuka, the 18‑year‑old rising star from Stamford Bridge, was confirmed on a similar loan deal. His teammate Landon Emenalo then joined on a one‑year loan to act as left‑back cover for Kieran Tierney.

Further reinforcements and looming deadline

After the Aberdeen victory, Celtic announced a four‑year contract for Joel van den Berg from PSV Eindhoven and a season‑long loan for Feyenoord’s Swiss right‑back Jordan Lotomba. Midfielder Oliver Sorensen secured a one‑year loan from Parma on Tuesday, adding depth to the midfield.

The Scottish transfer window closes at 5pm today, and Sport O'Neill remains keen on signing Gvidas Gineitis from Torino before the deadline.

Speaking after the Dons were dispatched, O'Neill said, “Honestly, I am pleased that we have done what we have because there’s quite a few who have left the football club. Reo’s (Hatate) gone and Johnny Kenny has gone. I wish them all the best and so we need people in.” He added that even if a player missed the European registration deadline, he would still consider signing them.

Both Sorensen and Mheuka made their debuts from the bench against Aberdeen, while Johnstone was part of the match‑day squad and van den Berg was photographed in his Celtic tracksuit. “I’m very pleased that they’re in the door,” O'Neill said, “they’ll definitely add something to us and the blooding will be great for them.”

Celtic’s early dominance was highlighted by first‑half goals from Camilo Duran, Benjamin Nygren and Yang Hyun‑jun. O'Neill praised Duran, noting, “Camilo set the tone for us; he’s a class player.” Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson, after making four substitutions at half‑time, admitted his side were “disappointed” and urged his players to be braver on the ball.