Premier League Burnley v Liverpool Florian Wirtz of Liverpool arrives at stadium ahead of the Premier League match Burnley vs Liverpool at Turf Moor, Burnley, United Kingdom, 14th September 2025 Photo by Jorge Horsted/News Images Burnley Turf Moor Lancashire United Kingdom Copyright: xJorgexHorsted/NewsxImagesx
Former Celtic defender Johan Mjallby has issued a stark warning to the club’s board, insisting new signings are absolutely essential under Martin O’Neill.
The Scottish champions are facing an all-too-familiar situation heading into the August Champions League playoff qualifier, with history threatening to repeat itself.
Celtic were knocked out in the playoff round last season by minnows Kairat Almaty, who went on to finish rock bottom of the league phase standings in Europe’s elite competition.
Then manager Brendan Rodgers was openly critical of the club’s transfer policy following that embarrassing exit from European football’s premier stage.
At that point, Celtic had spent around £3 million on transfers while bringing in approximately £20 million, leaving the squad short on attacking options across two goalless legs.
Mjallby, a fan favourite during his time at Parkhead, believes the decision-makers simply cannot allow that kind of failure to happen again on O’Neill’s watch.
He told the Sunday Post: “It’s not by accident that Celtic have won five-in-a-row. They are good champions, win trophies on a regular basis.”
Mjallby also highlighted the importance of key figures within the current squad, saying: “Callum McGregor is a brilliant captain and leads by example. Kieran Tierney is also a top player and a leader.”
He added: “You add in James Forrest and you have a hard core of guys who know what it’s about and know when to deliver and how to deliver.”
The Swede was clear, however, that talent alone within the existing group will not be enough to secure a place in the Champions League group stage.
“But they also know you need to keep moving forward. New players are essential and they must be of a certain standard,” Mjallby continued.
He stressed the financial stakes involved, noting: “There are tens and tens of millions of pounds riding on that game and Celtic don’t want to miss out again.”
Mjallby rounded out his assessment with a show of confidence in the new manager, stating: “I’m sure if Martin is given the players he needs, then Celtic will qualify and have another memorable season.”
The financial incentive could hardly be greater, with Celtic having earned an eye-watering £40 million from their Champions League campaign during the 2024/25 season.
That campaign saw the Hoops navigate the league phase by finishing in 21st spot, earning a knockout stage tie against German giants Bayern Munich.
Celtic came agonisingly close to causing a major upset before a last-gasp equaliser from Alphonso Davies sent Bayern through on a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.
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