24 Apr 2026 16:06 BST |
5 min read
No matter how Celtic’s season ends, there will be a clear-out at Parkhead. Results and performances have been below the Glasgow giants’ high standards while the emergence of Hearts has given fresh impetus to their need to improve.
While new faces will arrive at Celtic Park in the weeks ahead, the biggest job will arguably be clearing out the deadwood that the Hoops find themselves with.
Here are five players who could be on their way this summer.
Callum McGregor
Such is the level of crisis at Celtic, club captain Callum McGregor has sent a warning to the board that they either match his level of ambition in the transfer market or he will leave.
In quotes relayed by The Sun, he said: “We’ve already had that conversation. I’ve made my feelings known that I want to be here – so it’s kind of on the club.
“I’ve always been the same. I want to be at Celtic – as long as the club want me there and as long as the club’s ambition matches my own in terms of playing any the highest level.
“I’ve been very honest with everyone in that conversation. The people inside the club know it.”
It would be a staggering blow to the board if McGregor was allowed to depart, but the veteran midfielder has put the possibility on the table.
Kasper Schmeichel
Schmeichel has all but conceded that his Celtic career is over after suffering a serious shoulder problem that has since gone under surgery for. He is a free agent at the end of the season and his contract will not be renewed.
The 39-year-old shot-stopper is set to sign off his Parkhead career after a disappointing campaign on a personal note, one that is likely to cast a shadow over his impressive achievements since arriving in Glasgow in 2024 as a free agent.
Indeed, there are doubts over whether he will regain enough fitness to play professional football again.
Arne Engels
Belgium international midfielder Engles was associated with a move to Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window and is already being linked with a transfer to the Premier League this summer. There is also interest from Lazio and the Bundesliga.
He is one of Celtic’s most valuable assets at the age of 22, with four goals and two assists from his central midfield role but his real strength is his composure on the ball and ability to control matches.
Under contract until 2028, Celtic have time on their side and can, therefore, leverage a sizeable fee for the player.
Reo Hatate
It’s beginning to look like Hatate’s time at Celtic is up. Once regarded as one of the Hoops’ most dynamic and dangerous players, he has too often been a passenger this season, contributing just two goals and two assists in league play.
The 28-year-old has reportedly been told that the only way back to the Japan side will be to leave Celtic, while he was linked with a shock move to Brazilian giants Palmeiras just a few weeks ago.
Signed from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021 for just €1.5m, Celtic can expect to make a healthy profit on the player if and when he leaves.
Daizen Maeda
Another player who appears to have run his course at Celtic is Maeda, who has cut a frustrating figure at the forefront of the attack this season. The 28-year-old has nine goal in all competitions, which is a very disappointing tally given that he is the Hoops’ main option in the No.9 role.
The service has been there, but Maeda has lost his finishing touch. Indeed, this could be decisive if Celtic fail to go on and win the Premiership.
A player capable of playing in a myriad of roles, he only has one year left on his contract at Celtic Park, so if he is going to be sold, it will likely be this summer.
There were tentative suggestions that he could leave Celtic a year ago, but expect those rumours to build as the end of the season approaches.
Related stories:
Celtic told to agree €30m summer transfer
Five players who could join Celtic this summer
Transfer Rumours: Anderson ‘destined’ for Man City move as Man Utd face second hijack from rivals
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