Preston North End FC v Liverpool FC, Pre-Season Friendly, 13 July 2025 Liverpool forward Tommy Pilling 70 Liverpool midfielder Kieran Morrison 68 during the Preston North End FC v Liverpool FC at Deepdale, Preston, England, United Kingdom on 13 July 2025 Credit: Phil Duncan/Every Second Media Editorial use only. All images are copyright Every Second Media Limited. No images may be reproduced without prior permission. Copyright: xIMAGO/EveryxSecondxMediax ESM-1532-0136 PhilxDuncanx/xEveryxSecondxMediax
Celtic supporters are heading into this pre-season fixture with a growing sense of unease over the club’s sluggish activity in the transfer market.
Only one new face has arrived so far, with Camilo Duran the sole addition to Martin O’Neill’s squad ahead of a crucial title defence campaign.
Moves to retain both Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi have collapsed, leaving fans increasingly vocal about the direction of the club’s recruitment strategy.
Even Rod Stewart has added his voice to the chorus of concern, reflecting just how widespread the anxiety has become among the Celtic faithful.
Columnist Chris Sutton has not held back either, posing the brutal question of whether Celtic are the Thomas Tuchel of transfers given the lack of decisive movement in the window.
EFL Championship outfit Middlesbrough make the trip to Celtic Park today, providing O’Neill’s side with a chance to shift focus back onto the pitch ahead of the season starting in two weeks.
Teen midfielder Sean McArdle gets a start this afternoon, with the 18-year-old having previously made his Celtic debut against Hibernian in May 2025 before a loan spell at Partick Thistle.
McArdle made just six cameo appearances during that loan stint but has earned his opportunity today after substitute appearances against Shelbourne and Sporting CP in pre-season.
Middlesbrough’s starting lineup includes forward David Strelec, a former Celtic transfer target who swapped Slovan Bratislava for the Riverside last summer after months of speculation.
Strelec, a Slovakia international, scored eight times in 35 games across all competitions during his debut season at Middlesbrough, proving he has settled well in English football.
Saturday Jury panellists were unanimous in their verdict that Celtic fans have every reason to worry about the lack of transfer market movement ahead of the new campaign.
Panellist Michael noted that Celtic knew they needed bodies in January but were left chasing late, suggesting the club should have had pre-contracts lined up well before pre-season began.
Fellow contributor Fraser pointed out that with just 16 days until the season kicks off, new signings would not even have adequate time to settle before competitive matches begin.
Middlesbrough supporters have made the most of their rare Glasgow away day, arriving early at Celtic Park well ahead of the afternoon kick-off in good numbers.
O’Neill will be hoping the football itself can provide some relief today, but the pressure to act decisively in the transfer window is only going to intensify with each passing day.
About the Author
