Celtic has secured the services of six new players in a whirlwind 24-hour period as the Scottish transfer window nears its close. Manager Martin O'Neill confirmed the arrivals, stating his satisfaction with the strengthened squad while indicating an ongoing pursuit of additional talent.
The flurry of activity saw former England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone join on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Chelsea striker Shim Mheuka, an 18-year-old prospect, also arrived on a similar loan arrangement, as did his teammate Landon Emenalo, who will provide cover at left-back.
Further strengthening occurred with the permanent signing of Joel van den Berg from PSV Eindhoven on a four-year deal, and the acquisition of Swiss right-back Jordan Lotomba from Feyenoord on a season-long loan. Midfielder Oliver Sorensen had previously agreed to a one-year loan from Parma.
Despite the significant influx, O'Neill indicated that he is still hopeful of securing further signings, potentially including Gvidas Gineitis from Torino. He noted that some new players might not be eligible for European competition due to transfer deadlines but emphasized his desire to bring in quality regardless.
"Honestly, I am pleased that we have done what we have because there’s quite a few who have left the football club," O'Neill stated after the team's match against Aberdeen. "Reo’s (Hatate) gone and Johnny Kenny has gone. I wish them all the best and so we need people in."
Sorensen and Mheuka made their debuts as substitutes in the recent match against Aberdeen, while Johnstone was part of the match-day squad. Van den Berg was also seen in club attire.
O'Neill expressed confidence in the new additions, stating, "I’m very pleased that they’re in the door. I think that they’ll definitely add something to us. I think the blooding of these players will be really great for them."
The manager also commented on the team's performance against Aberdeen, highlighting first-half goals from Camilo Duran, Benjamin Nygren, and Yang Hyun-jun. "Camilo set the tone for us," he said. "I think perhaps maybe all season he’s done that. He’s a really class player."
Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson addressed his team's performance, explaining his decision to make four substitutions at halftime. "Furious is not the word," he stressed. "Disappointed, because I see different boys on the training pitch and it’s getting that belief to play for Aberdeen and getting that belief to play a certain way and be brave on the ball."
Robinson acknowledged that the team is undergoing significant change and that it will take time for players to adapt to Scottish football. "There’s been a lot of change and it will take time," he said.