Martin O’Neill offered a quiet but revealing update on Celtic’s transfer situation on Friday, with focus already shifting toward Sunday’s challenging trip to Tynecastle.
Speaking ahead of the Hearts clash, the Celtic boss touched briefly on recruitment following the recent arrival of Tomas Cvancara. While the striker’s signing brought some momentum to a window that has stretched supporters’ patience, O’Neill made it clear that further movement will have to wait.
Cvancara’s arrival earlier in the week represented one of the few visible developments in a market where much of Celtic’s work has taken place away from the spotlight. With time passing and expectations rising, O’Neill’s words carried significance beyond the upcoming fixture.
Timing was key. Celtic are juggling domestic pressure, European commitments, and ongoing fitness concerns, all while fans look for reassurance that the squad will be strengthened further. Any indication from the manager inevitably draws attention.
O’Neill confirmed that no additional business is expected before Sunday, stressing that preparation for Hearts remains the priority. Recruitment, he suggested, will be revisited once the weekend is out of the way.
Speaking via Celtic FC’s official YouTube channel, he said:
“I would hardly think before Sunday, but we’ve got the other week and I’m still very hopeful that we’ll get some people in.”
The message was calm and carefully phrased. There were no promises of numbers or specific positions, only an expression of belief that the club can still make progress before the window closes.
That measured tone reflects Celtic’s current position. Cvancara has already trained with the squad and is pushing to be involved sooner rather than later, easing one concern but not resolving all of them.
Fitness issues remain a factor. Johnny Kenny is being monitored after a calf issue, while Kelechi Iheanacho has only recently returned to training. Squad depth is a present concern, not a future one.
O’Neill’s reference to “the other week” also highlighted the narrowing timeframe. With the window entering its final phase, decisions will need to be decisive rather than drawn out.
There is an awareness, too, of supporter frustration. The pace of deals has drawn criticism, and while the update was brief, it served as confirmation that recruitment plans are still active.
For now, however, all attention is on Tynecastle. Hearts away is never straightforward, and the manager has underlined the importance of keeping focus on performance rather than speculation.
That separation is deliberate. Transfer talk can easily become a distraction, and O’Neill appears keen to ensure the squad remains locked in on Sunday’s task.
Cvancara’s presence has already added intensity in training, a common boost even before a new signing makes his debut. His integration will be closely watched in the days ahead.
Once the weekend passes, attention will quickly return to the market. Celtic still have flexibility to adjust the squad, whether through loans or permanent additions. O’Neill’s optimism suggests discussions remain ongoing.
What shape those moves take remains to be seen. The manager avoided detail, consistent with his preference for targeted signings over rushed decisions.
For now, results come first. The outcome at Tynecastle could influence both mood and momentum as the final stretch of the window approaches.
O’Neill’s update may have been short, but it was not empty. It confirmed that the door is still open for further arrivals — and that nothing will be allowed to overshadow Sunday’s test.
The coming week now carries weight. With Cvancara already on board and the window ticking down, Celtic still have an opportunity to shape their squad. Supporters will be watching closely, waiting for actions to follow words.