Every Celtic transfer from 25/26 season ranked as six F's prove glaring problem amid key standouts

Celtic recruitment was lamented in the 25/26 season but just how bad was it?

Manager Martin O’Neill returned to the club on two occasions and inspired them to the double. Premiership and Scottish Cup glory may be in the cabinet but that is not enough to paper over the cracks of transfer business that was heavily criticised. A reactive approach was placed by many as the main reason why they flopped in Champions League qualifying against Kairat Almaty.

It didn’t get much better in the winter albeit the hits they did have proved enough, alongside stars already at the club, to obtain silverware. Here’s how we rated every transfer incoming at Celtic over the 25/26 season as they continue to hunt a new permanent manager alongside squad overhauling. We’re ranking players with an A+ being top marks and an F being an undisputed flop.

Sebastian Tounekti - B-

Impacts from the start were lacking but had plenty of difference-making outings off the bench. Certainly played his part in some big Celtic wins but more will be demanded of the winger from the off.

Michel Ange Balikwisha - F

Came into the club from Royal Antwerp after a lengthy chase with rumours aplenty. His debut against Rangers was ropey and it didn’t get any better before totally exiting contention. Hasn’t worked out.

Shin Yamada - F

Japanese striker didn’t look up to the level despite endeavour. Loaned out to German lower leagues where he’s also failed to impress.

Benjamin Nygren - A

A mark away from top billing but criticisms of his overall play come into account. That said, from midfield, 21 goals and nine assists for a low seven figure fee is exactly the type of business Celtic are aiming for in their player-trading model.

Hayato Inamura - F

Actually looked ok in pre-season at centre-back and left-back but quickly put back on loan to Japan as he seemingly failed to make the grade.

Kieran Tierney - A+

They’ve managed to keep him fit for the most part and he’s moved up the gears. Celtic got Tierney back to similar levels they sold him for to Arsenal in a £25m deal previously and clearly the league’s best full-back. On a free? Bargain and their best recruit.

Kelechi Iheanacho - B+

For a free agent punt, despite fitness issues, Iheanacho scored several key goals on the home stretch. Minutes might have been few but clearly worth it given his big time contribution. Worth another year on that basis alone.

Ross Doohan - N/A

Has served as homegrown third choice goalkeeper largely for UEFA quota purposes.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey - F

Came on loan with high praise from Manchester City, barely spotted, then started playing regularly in Bundesliga side Koln’s defence. Bizarre.

Callum Osmand - B

Only played four times but those included a derby goal against Rangers at Hampden and the winning goal on the final day of the season against Hearts. Has potential but need to see more of him.

Marcelo Saracchi - B

Provided reliable cover for Tierney and arguably pushed his levels on. Seemed a likeable character too and would be a strength in depth piece if loan was made permanent.

Junior Adamu - F

Brought in to strengthen the forward line, didn’t, and rarely featured.

Julian Araujo - C

Looked the part as an energetic replacement for injured ace Alistair Johnston at right-back but injury cut loan stint from Bournemouth short.

Tomas Cvancara - D

Not the worst offender as he showed some pace and link-up play up front but was poor in front of goal. Then injury ended his term.

Joel Mvuka - F

They were signing him, then they weren’t, then they were again as Mvuka barely played. It’d have been better for all involved if this stint were to be forgotten.

Benjamin Arthur - D

Another odd one as games like Aberdeen away showed why the centre-back was highly rated by Brentford. Only drafted in on needs must basis.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - D

Ex Arsenal and Liverpool man has clear quality but fitness lacking at the stage in the season he arrived.

Verdict

When looking at it, of the 17 players that signed for Celtic this season, you’d say only Tierney, Nygren and Iheanacho were the bona fide difference makers, with Osmand doing likewise albeit with a vastly reduced sample size. Saracchi and Araujo provided decent cover, and Tounekti had his moments, but much of their shopping was poor. The loan work in particular brought several flops and very few hits. Even ones they did get right like Tierney and Iheanacho didn’t follow their buy low and sell high model. Nygren is likely the only one to fulfil that brief from this crop, and while they did land the double, Celtic can’t expect to get away with many recruitment hauls like this again.