​Celtic boss Martin O’Neill is preparing for the likelihood that Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels will depart this summer. The 28-year-old Japanese forward Maeda and the 22-year-old Belgian midfielder Engels are both poised to move on, according to reports. O’Neill, meanwhile, would prefer to keep Maeda and allow him to complete the final year of his contract, drawing a parallel with Henrik Larsson’s situation at Celtic more than two decades ago. The manager is also set to hold talks with captain Callum McGregor about his future after the midfielder switched agents amid rumors of interest from other clubs.
Amid ongoing transfer talk, O’Neill is still keeping an eye on potential moves, including the possibility of bringing back Kelechi Iheanacho, who has been training alongside Newcastle United and Denmark’s William Osula at the Seedorf Football Academy in Manchester. The Celtic boss remains interested in re-signing the 29-year-old forward, as negotiations and scouting continue in the background.
Meanwhile, transfer chatter surrounds several other clubs and players. Feyenoord are in discussions with Hertha Berlin over the transfer of goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, with Celtic and Wolfsburg both reportedly tracking the 23-year-old custodian. Brondby’s sporting director Julius Ohnesorge confirmed the club would consider offers for 23-year-old midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic, though Celtic have not yet made an approach. In other developments, there is gossip linking Arsenal with Argentina forward Julián Álvarez, and various Italian and German suitors are said to be keen on Rangers’ target Barron.
Millwall have entered the race to sign Celtic striker Johnny Kenny on a permanent deal after his loan helped them win promotion to the Championship, with Bolton Wanderers also expressing interest. Hellas Verona’s sporting director Sean Sogliano indicated they would listen to offers for Scotland striker Kieron Bowie only at the right price. On the Rangers side, manager Derek McInnes says more reinforcements are needed, but that departures must occur first to free up funds and space in the squad.
Jens Hjerto-Dahl, the 20-year-old midfielder previously with Tromsø, remains a focus for Rangers after a £5.3 million bid was rejected, with the player expressing a desire to complete a move this summer despite competing interest from Besiktas. In other transfer activity, Beverenhave agreed a six-figure fee for 25-year-old left-back Dominic Thompson from Kilmarnock, with Thompson set to travel to Belgium for a medical and to finalise terms.
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has chosen not to sign Liam McCarron following his trial with the Perth club after leaving Boston United, bringing an end to the latest pursuit of the left-back. The summer transfer window continues to unfold, with Celtic, Rangers and other Scottish clubs navigating a complex web of targets, negotiations and potential departures as they shape their squads ahead of the new campaign.