Celtic could be just four victories away from a surprising double-trophy campaign after turmoil dominated the headlines in Glasgow. The reigning champions have cycled through three different managers across four separate stints this year, beginning with Brendan Rodgers' shock exit in October 2025.
Club legend Martin O'Neill stepped in on a temporary basis before Wilfried Nancy assumed control. However, the former Columbus Crew boss was dismissed after just eight matches at the helm. O'Neill returned to guide the Bhoys through to the end of the season and has steered them to the Scottish Cup final, while also hauling them back into contention for the title alongside Hearts and Rangers.
Supporters have been left underwhelmed by the squad's performances this season, with a substantial number of new players being touted for a switch to Parkhead this summer. Here, Mirror Football examines who could potentially arrive at Celtic next season and restore the team to their former glory.
'Next Manuel Neuer' Signs
Nikolas Polster features on Celtic's shortlist as they prepare to replace the veteran Kasper Schmeichel. The Danish shot-stopper has likely made his final appearance as he is facing up to a year out with a torn bicep, torn rotator cuff, dislocated shoulder and torn labrum. Schmeichel is also approaching his 40th birthday later this year, underlining the need for the Glasgow club to secure a successor for their former No. 1. Viljami Sinisalo has assumed goalkeeping duties from the shotstopper this season and may emerge as the long-term first choice between the posts.
Yet the Daily Mail reports that Celtic have expressed interest in Polster, who has drawn comparisons to the likes of Manuel Neuer and Jan Oblak. The 23-year-old is valued at £1.7 million by Transfermarkt and might welcome a departure from the Austrian Bundesliga amid relegation concerns. Polster's club Wolfsberger AC are merely two points away from the drop and the young talent could be attracted to securing a place at a more secure outfit. That said, Celtic face competition from Championship-bound Wolves, who are braced to lose several key players following their Premier League relegation this campaign.
Swoop for Title Rivals' Loan Midfielder
Hearts star Marc Leonard has been confirmed to feature on Celtic's radar for this summer. The 24-year-old has proved instrumental for the Jambos since arriving on loan from Birmingham City in January. Hearts are arguably Celtic's closest challengers for the Scottish Premiership crown and the Glasgow club are understood to be monitoring Leonard closely during the final three fixtures of the season. He remains under contract for another two years and is valued at just shy of £1 million — though a permanent transfer would probably require a seven-figure fee.
However, Celtic have previously conducted business with Birmingham City and could reference their earlier transfer of Tomoki Iwata as potential leverage between the two parties.
Championship Defender Eyed
Celtic have also placed USA international defender George Campbell on their summer transfer radar. The 24-year-old has been an outstanding performer at the back for the Baggies, despite narrowly avoiding relegation following a points deduction. Celtic have experienced difficulties in the centre-half position this season following the loss of Cameron Carter-Vickers to an Achilles tendon injury in October. Auston Trusty and Liam Scales, both left-footed defenders, have shouldered most of the burden throughout the campaign, but right-sided Campbell could arrive to stabilise the defence.
Reports indicate that approximately £2.5 million would be sufficient to secure the defender, who has three years remaining on his West Brom contract. However, Celtic's prospects of qualifying for the Champions League could also prove a significant factor in attracting players to Glasgow this summer.
£10m Midfielder Target
Schalke midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi has emerged as another potential midfield target for Celtic this summer. Arne Engels attracted interest from Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest in January but the club remained resolute in retaining their record signing. RB Leipzig are also monitoring the situation, with potential exits also speculated for Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo. Celtic will likely make the midfield area a priority this summer and El-Faouzi has been connected with a move to Glasgow.
Sky Germany report that Brentford, Bologna, Rennes and Sunderland are all also keen on the German midfielder, who carries a £10.3 million price tag set by Schalke. This would make the 23-year-old another costly acquisition for the Bhoys, but his considerable playing time racked up in Germany could ultimately persuade Celtic to push through a deal.
Scottish Bargain Buy
Celtic are also reportedly eyeing a former university star who has netted 12 goals for Falkirk this season. Barney Stewart has emerged on the club's radar following his remarkable journey from Heriot-Watt University to the Scottish Premiership. The 22-year-old has caught the eye in the top flight this campaign, contributing 16 goal involvements and drawing attention from several clubs. The Bhoys have leaned heavily on club favourite Daizen Maeda and Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined on a one-year deal last summer.
The number nine position remains an area the club will be desperate to strengthen this summer, particularly with rival sides circling their Japanese forward Maeda. Stewart is valued at just over £430,000, making a potential move an absolute steal for the Glasgow club.
Celtic's Dream XI for 2026/27 Season
Sinisalo; Johnston, Trusty, Campbell, Tierney; McGregor, El-Faouzi, Leonard; Jota, Stewart, Yang.
