O'Neill stays, Keane to Burnley
Martin O'Neill has agreed terms to become Celtic's permanent manager. The deal ends weeks of uncertainty and reshapes the summer plans. Robbie Keane, who had been odds-on for the post, is now expected to take the Burnley job instead. The previously rumoured Keane–O'Neill "dream team" won't materialise, but the club finally has a settled hierarchy ahead of the transfer window (2).
Vitalis impresses on Hungary duty
Celtic target Milan Vitalis delivered a standout performance in Hungary's 2–1 friendly win over Finland on Friday. The Gyor midfielder showed exactly the qualities your scouting team has been tracking. The catch? Aberdeen and Rangers are also in the race. With Hatate likely heading for the exit, Vitalis could be a direct replacement, but competition from the rest of the SPFL makes this one complicated (3) (2).
Hatate on the way out
Celtic are planning to accept offers for Reo Hatate. The midfielder has slipped down the pecking order and the club sees this window as the right time to move him on. The funds would go directly toward the midfield rebuild that O'Neill now has the green light to lead (3).
Striker search: Arconte and Hogh
Two names to watch up front. Celtic are chasing Rodez striker Tairyk Arconte, though Millwall and Auxerre are also keen. The club is described as "particularly fond" of the 22-year-old. Bodø/Glimt's Kasper Hogh is another option as the club looks to solve the attacking problems that defined the end of last season (1).
Balikwisha done, Just incoming
Michel-Ange Balikwisha has no future at Celtic under O'Neill. The manager said it plainly: "I just said to him in the dressing room, 'With the next manager coming in, he will see what you can do.'" A loan move is expected. Meanwhile, the club is accelerating a move for Motherwell winger Elijah Just as part of the attacking overhaul (4).
