Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has delivered a clear verdict on what the club must do during the summer transfer window, insisting that the Scottish champions require at least five or six players capable of making an immediate impact if they are to remain competitive on all fronts next season.
With preparations for the new campaign set to begin at Lennoxtown this week, Celtic supporters are still waiting for significant movement in the transfer market. While several clubs across Europe have already begun strengthening their squads, the Hoops have yet to welcome a wave of new arrivals, leaving many fans increasingly eager to see business completed ahead of a crucial period.
The coming weeks could prove decisive for Celtic. Champions League qualification is on the horizon, pre-season fixtures are approaching, and there remain several unanswered questions surrounding both the current squad and potential new recruits.
Martin O’Neill, who is preparing for his first full season in charge, faces a busy summer. Alongside transfer dealings, he must also address uncertainty regarding members of his backroom staff, assess the futures of several players, and ensure the squad is adequately prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Speaking on behalf of BoyleSports, Mulgrew highlighted the scale of the task facing the Celtic manager and stressed that strengthening the attack should be among the club’s top priorities.
“There’s no doubt about it. For a few seasons now there’s been a striker needed. Daizen Maeda stepped up at the end of last season, but we still need a striker.
Celtic need to bring a striker in, maybe two or even three. Because in the current squad, there are still questions over who will be here. That’s something I would be looking at immediately.”
His comments reflect a growing concern among supporters regarding Celtic’s options in the final third.
While Maeda finished last season in excellent form and once again demonstrated his importance to the team, uncertainty remains over the club’s long-term attacking depth. Questions continue to surround the future of Kelechi Iheanacho, while Tomas Cvancara has returned to Borussia Monchengladbach following his temporary spell. In addition, transfer speculation surrounding several attacking players has only increased the need for reinforcements.
Goals win matches, and Celtic know that entering the most important stage of the season without sufficient firepower would represent a significant gamble. The club has enjoyed domestic success in recent years, but maintaining that dominance requires continuous investment and squad refreshment.
Areas Across the Squad Need Strengthening
Mulgrew believes the need for strengthening extends far beyond the striker position.
“I think that’s Martin’s main concern. But if you go through the squad, there are several positions that need attention. Some wingers, a replacement at left-back, and improvements in other areas too.
The good thing is that Cameron Carter-Vickers will be back available for next season because he’s a huge player for Celtic.
Hopefully they can keep Alistair Johnston as well because he’s another massive player. But apart from maybe right-back, I think there’s room to strengthen in almost every position.
The goalkeeper area could be improved as well. For me, there’s at least five or six players that need to come in and genuinely impact the squad.”
That assessment is likely to resonate with many Celtic supporters who have watched the opening stages of the transfer window unfold with frustration.
Although Celtic remain one of the strongest teams in Scottish football, there is a widespread feeling that the squad requires fresh energy and increased quality if the club is to continue progressing. Successive seasons of domestic dominance have raised expectations, while European competition continues to expose the need for greater depth and consistency across the pitch.
Defensively, there are already areas requiring attention.
The left-back position remains a significant talking point. Celtic have relied heavily on experienced options in recent seasons, but changes are expected during this transfer window. Reports continue to link Kieran Tierney with the club, while former Celtic defender Marcelo Saracchi has also been mentioned as a possible option. Regardless of the eventual outcome, there is little doubt that strengthening the left side of defence remains a priority.
The return of Cameron Carter-Vickers is undoubtedly a major boost. When fully fit, the American international remains one of the most influential defenders in Scottish football and provides leadership, composure, and defensive stability. However, Celtic cannot rely solely on one player to solve every issue at the back.
Champions League Preparations Add Urgency
Goalkeeper is another position attracting discussion.
Viljami Sinisalo ended last season as Celtic’s number one and showed encouraging signs. Nevertheless, competition is essential at the highest level, particularly for clubs expected to challenge domestically while also competing in Europe. Whether Celtic decide to recruit another goalkeeper remains to be seen, but Mulgrew believes the position deserves consideration.
Further forward, the situation is equally complex.
Jota’s fitness will require careful management throughout the campaign, while speculation surrounding Daizen Maeda’s future has done little to ease concerns. Celtic possess attacking talent, but there remains a feeling that the squad lacks enough players capable of consistently changing matches from the bench or producing moments of quality when games become difficult.
Modern football increasingly demands depth. Successful teams are built not only around a strong starting eleven but around a squad capable of maintaining performance levels across a long and demanding season.
That is why Mulgrew’s emphasis on “impact signings” is particularly important.
The former Celtic defender is not advocating for a recruitment strategy focused solely on numbers. Instead, he believes the club must identify players capable of immediately improving the first team rather than simply increasing squad size.
Quality, not quantity, should be the objective.
“There’s a lot that needs done. They need to get moving with all that stuff. But as we know, these things don’t happen overnight.”
His remarks highlight the delicate balance Celtic must strike during the coming weeks.
Supporters understandably want swift action, particularly with pre-season already underway. However, successful transfer business often requires patience, negotiation, and careful planning. The challenge for O’Neill and the Celtic recruitment team is ensuring they move quickly enough to have new signings integrated before competitive fixtures begin.
The clock is ticking.
Champions League qualifiers are approaching rapidly, and Celtic know the financial and sporting importance of securing a place in Europe’s elite competition. Every transfer decision made this summer could play a crucial role in determining the club’s fortunes over the next twelve months.
Mulgrew’s message is ultimately straightforward. Celtic need more than squad players. They need genuine difference-makers.
Whether that number proves to be five, six, or even more remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: if Celtic are serious about maintaining domestic dominance and making progress on the European stage, this summer transfer window could be one of the most important in recent memory.