Celtic season 25/26 player ratings including transfer flops, shining lights and likely goodbye for top star

Celtic clinched a double during the 25/26 season but that can’t take away from what will be a seismic summer at Parkhead.

Recruitment was largely lamented and managerial changes were aplenty but legendary boss Martin O’Neill rallied the Hoops troops en route to Premiership and Scottish Cup glory. Whether he is made permanent boss remains to be seen, but whoever comes into the hotseat, they face a squad in need of a revamp.

Amid the upheaval, stars have stepped up in the biggest moments to deliver success, while others have fallen by the wayside. Based off players who have played at least fives games, ruling out the likes of Jota, Joel Mvuka and Callum Osmand, here’s how we rated the Celtic players this season.

Kasper Schmeichel - 3/10

Season ended early amid a shoulder injury that will likely end his Celtic career and possibly his playing days as a whole. Unfortunate end and performances were heavily questioned prior to the blow.

Viljami Sinisalo - 5/10

Came in after Schmeichel’s injury. After a good start had a few shaky moments. Some work to do if he wants the number one shirt for good.

Alistair Johnston - 4/10

Spent much of the season injured but return for post-split matches showed how influential he is. Likely a big player next season.

Anthony Ralston - 5/10

Came in as cover at various points in the season. Not first choice but reliable back-up.

Colby Donovan - 6/10

Got his breakthrough after Johnston’s initial injury. Last played in March but showed over 27 games that he has big potential. Still only 19 but has to play regularly.

Julian Araujo - 4/10

Bournemouth loanee looked to be loving life in Glasgow before injury struck.

Liam Scales - 8/10

Coming of age season for the Irishman. Catapulted into leadership role at the back and showed calmness, toughness and good quality when needed.

Auston Trusty - 5/10

Shaky in patches and solid in others. A bit inconsistent but played his part.

Cameron Carter-Vickers - 3/10

Season totally derailed by injury.

Benjamin Arthur - 3/10

Perplexing. Only played six times but looked solid when called upon. Struggled to cement a place in the team.

Dane Murray - 3/10

Appearances earlier in the season were difficult but grew into things more as term progressed. 23 in June and has to get playing more regularly somewhere.

Marcelo Saracchi - 6/10

Not a cemented starter but reliable cover for Tierney and provided attacking prowess in particular at left-back. Seemed an energetic character. A good signing on loan and fans would likely have him back.

Kieran Tierney - 8/10

A strong first season back at Celtic. Kept fit which was mission one before adding defensive solidity on top of 18 goal contributions.

Benjamin Nygren - 7/10

So hard to assess. A bargain buy from Nordsjaelland if you consider 21 goals and nine assists from midfield but fans demand more in overall play. Hard to argue with his numbers.

Luke McCowan - 6/10

A good squad player. Has stepped into midfield and out wide when needed and can be trusted to handle the ball when Celtic have certain tactical situations present themselves.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 3/10

Former Arsenal and Liverpool man arrived with clear quality but also evidently lacking match sharpness which impacted stint. Could stay for another year.

Arne Engels - 7/10

A lamented man before injury, Celtic turned heads by rejecting a big money bid from Nottingham Forest, before Belgian showed his worth with commanding midfield displays upon his return. Likely to leave this summer but key in the run-in.

Paulo Bernardo - 3/10

Faded more and more out the picture as time went on. Looks destined to leave.

Reo Hatate - 4/10

Games like the derby this year at Ibrox showed the Japanese midfielder’s talent. Has been a great servant but probably his poorest year in Hoops and another who is an exit candidate.

Callum McGregor - 6/10

Skipper has arguably lost a yard and critics have been there in number but still showed leadership and know-how to drag team to title glory. He’ll seek an improved 26/27 although rumours of Saudi have surrounded him.

Junior Adamu - 2/10

Supposed to bring winter forward reinforcement, barely played, and didn’t look up to much when he did. A poor signing in a season full of them.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha - 2/10

A hyped up arrival from Royal Antwerp who has widely missed the mark in attack. Another club will look to move on.

Tomas Cvancara - 2/10

Yet again a winter signing who couldn’t deliver when needed, injury ruled him out for most of it, after a couple of early flashes failed to materialise into anything overly promising longer term.

Yang - 8/10

Who’d have thought it? Almost a year on from looking like he was out the door, South Korean winger has blossomed, still raw but has provided an attacking spark out wide in a season Celtic have been desperate for that.

Kelechi Iheanacho - 8/10

Yes, there’s fitness issues, and he didn’t play huge amounts of this season. But it’s fair to argue that Celtic might not have won the league were it not for his goals down the stretch. Getting him fully fit could be key to whether he stays or not.

Sebastian Tounekti - 6/10

His impact from the start of games was minimal but that’s cancelled out by how good an impact sub he was. Will look for more consistency next season.

Shin Yamada - 2/10

Did not look near the level required and quickly loaned out.

Johnny Kenny - 3/10

Looked to be struggling at Celtic before reinventing himself pre-injury on loan at Bolton Wanderers.

Daizen Maeda - 10/10

Likely to be on the way out and what a way to go. Scored like there was no tomorrow on the home stretch and almost dragged his team to the double on his own.

James Forrest - 5/10

Signed a new deal as experience so key and proved in the Scottish Cup semi-final vs St Mirren he’s still a man for the big occasion.

Verdict

Overall Celtic clinched the double but it felt more by will and star power than any coherent plan. Big players stepped up to overthrow opponents but more will be needed if some of them are to go this summer. Recruitment has not been good enough and failure to be proactive will put trophies at threat. O’Neill deserves immense praise for galvanising the squad on two occasions.

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