Martin O’Neill Says He Was ‘Absolutely Fuming’ When Liverpool Tried to Sign His Best Player

By Rousing The Kop Staff | January 14, 2026

In a candid revelation, former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has opened up about his fury over Liverpool's attempt to poach his star player during his first stint at Parkhead. Speaking amid his surprise return to Celtic's hotseat, O’Neill recounted the moment he was left “absolutely fuming” when the Anfield giants made a bold bid for one of his key assets.[1]

O’Neill was thrust back into management at Celtic following the abrupt sacking of Wilfried Nancy, whose short-lived tenure ended in catastrophe. Having previously served as interim boss for eight matches, the Irishman now leads the Hoops' charge for the Premiership title. However, he admits being woefully unprepared for the January transfer window, rushed into the role over the holidays without prior scouting.[1]

“Away back in my first spell as manager, I had time to do that before I was bringing people in. I had that all prepared. Unfortunately, it’s me, and I haven’t got this prepared now,” O’Neill confessed, highlighting the chaos at the club.[1] Recruitment is direly needed to stay competitive, but progress is stalled. The only confirmed move is recalling defender Stephen Welsh from Motherwell, while links swirl around Hibs' Kieron Bowie, Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega, and Hacken’s Silas Andersen.[1]

Complicating matters, Celtic’s head of football operations Paul Tisdale has departed this month, after a summer of failed strengthening despite €30 million in player sales. O’Neill’s earlier anger stems from Liverpool’s pursuit of his best player—widely speculated to be a pivotal talent like Henrik Larsson—during a previous era, leaving him enraged at the timing and audacity.[1]

O’Neill makes a worrying claim about ongoing transfer collapses, underscoring Celtic’s precarious position as they battle Rangers and push for European spots. Fans hope his experience can stabilize the ship amid the turmoil.[3]

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