Monday PM Celtic transfer update: O'Rourke calls on board to 'dip into their pockets' for new signings
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(Credit: Getty Images) Mon 30 March 2026 18:00, UK Celtic‘s board must make some major signings in the summer transfer window to get supporters back onside regardless of if they qualify for the Champions League.Large sections of Celtic’s fanbase have turned against their board after a turbulent 2025-26 campaign that has left them in real danger of missing out on a Champions League spot.Brendan Rodgers’ exit, Wilfried Nancy’s failures and their poor transfer dealings are all factors that have contributed to the ill-feeling around Parkhead towards those in charge.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the board need to spend more in the summer to improve the Hoops’ poor squad that is lacking depth in numerous positions.Celtic’s transfer plans are on hold right now, however, as they need to know which European competition they will be playing in next season before advancing with deals. 🔄 Celtic Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Parkhead boardroom. VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Celtic have to make multiple big-money signings to appease fansThey are third in the Premiership right now, and this season could be Celtic’s last chance to finish second and qualify for the Champions League, with Scottish teams’ poor recent performances in Europe seeing their coefficient ranking drop dramatically.Supporters have fumed at their recent transfer business, with many pointing out that their recent starting sides under Martin O’Neill have cost a lot less in transfer fees than most Rangers teams under Danny Rohl.Player (bought from)FeeSebastian Tounekti (Hammarby)£5.2millionMichel-Ange Balikwisha (Royal Antwerp)£4.5millionShin Yamada (Kawasaki Frontale)£1.5millionBenjamin Nygren (Nordsjaelland)£1.7millionHayato Inamura (Albirex Niigata)£250,000The 2025-26 signings that Celtic have paid fees forSpeaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “(Celtic’s) fans are obviously unhappy.
They’ve been disappointed with the lack of activity in the last few transfer windows, selling their best players and not replacing them. “Wherever Celtic find themselves this summer, they’re going to have to dip into their pockets and make some signings, because the squad just isn’t good enough right now.“That’s shown in where they find themselves in the league, in third place behind Hearts and Rangers.”Celtic must make the Champions League to land Elijah Just ahead of RangersCeltic and Rangers are in the mix to sign several of the same players this summer, with Champions League qualification set to dictate what either club can do ahead of the other.According to Football Insider’s sources, Celtic and Rangers are tracking Just as he shines for Motherwell in their quest to finish in the Premiership’s top four this season.The 25-year-old attacking midfielder scored for New Zealand against Chile on Monday, and has registered seven goals and six assists in 28 league games.Both Old Firm sides want to sign him this summer, but Just’s next move is likely to hinge on which of them makes the UCL, with Hearts currently top of the league and unlikely to drop into third place.