Sources: O’Neill blocks exit for Celtic star who ‘came very close to leaving’
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Sources: O’Neill Blocks Exit for Celtic Star Who ‘Came Very Close to Leaving’
In a decisive move amid Celtic's turbulent 2025-26 season, interim manager Martin O'Neill has blocked the departure of a key Celtic star who was on the brink of leaving the club during the January transfer window. Sources close to the Scottish Premiership side reveal that the 73-year-old, recently reappointed until season's end following the sacking of Wilfried Nancy, intervened to retain the player's services despite strong interest from rival clubs.
O'Neill's return to Celtic Park marks his second stint this season. After stepping in as caretaker post-Brendan Rodgers' October exit—winning seven of eight games—he made way for Nancy in December. However, Nancy's disastrous spell, losing six of eight matches including a 3-1 home defeat to Rangers, prompted his dismissal after just 33 days. Celtic now trail leaders Hearts by six points, third in the table, with fans protesting outside the stadium.
The unnamed Celtic star, pivotal to O'Neill's plans, had "come very close" to sealing an exit as the club reshuffles its squad. Recent arrivals include centre-back Stephen Welsh, recalled from Motherwell, and Mexico defender Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth. Yet winger Jota remains sidelined until summer, heightening the need for stability.
Speaking to fans, O'Neill confirmed Celtic are "really trying" for his first January signing, discarding some targets but staying "relatively close" to deals. "We all want to try to do something," he said, emphasizing board support and urgency ahead of a clash with Falkirk that could leapfrog Rangers. Despite challenges with player negotiations, O'Neill praised assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, vowing to bolster the squad—even via short-term loans if needed.
Club chiefs, including CEO Michael Nicholson and interim chairman Brian Wilson, backed O'Neill fully, wishing Nancy well despite the "significant disappointment." With Hearts chasing a historic non-Old Firm title, O'Neill's retention of the star and push for reinforcements signal a fightback in the title race.
(Word count: 298)