Celtic host Middlesbrough in a pre-season friendly at Parkhead on Saturday, with tensions high among fans due to a lack of transfer activity. Only Camilo Duran has arrived so far, while moves for Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi collapsed. Martin O'Neill is keen to keep the focus on football.
Fan Unrest Over Transfers
Chris Sutton compared Celtic's transfer strategy to Thomas Tuchel's approach with England, asking: 'Are Celtic the Tuchel of transfers?' The question reflects growing frustration as the new season approaches. A Saturday Jury panel unanimously agreed that fans should be worried, with just 16 days until the Premiership kick-off.
Fraser said: 'I reckon those worries started weeks ago. There’s just 16 days until the big kick off and with only one new face in the door it’s going to come down to the old guard to make sure they don’t lose ground early on.' Scott added: 'They need to start showing more ambition in the market.' Michael warned: 'Celtic are playing a dangerous game.'
Match Context
This is Celtic's final pre-season test before their title defence begins in two weeks. Middlesbrough, of the EFL Championship, provide the opposition. The last match at Parkhead was a title decider with full stands; today's atmosphere is expected to be more muted due to transfer frustrations.
O'Neill will hope the game offers reasons for cheer amid the backdrop of anxiety. Kick-off is at 13:00 BST.
