Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expects the club to lose forward Daizen Maeda and midfielder Arne Engels during the summer 2026 transfer window [1].
The potential departures of these two key players would force the Glasgow-based club to restructure its attacking and midfield options before the new season begins. Losing a versatile forward and a young midfield talent simultaneously creates a significant gap in the squad's depth.
O'Neill said the exits are likely following bids from other clubs and the general need for squad turnover [1, 2]. The manager's resignation to these losses suggests that the players' ambitions or the financial offers from suitors have made their departures inevitable.
Daizen Maeda, who is 28 [2], has been a consistent presence in the Celtic lineup. His experience and pace in the forward position make him a primary target for teams seeking an established attacker.
Arne Engels is 22 [2]. As a younger prospect, Engels represents a different type of loss for the club, one of future potential and developmental growth in the midfield.
The club is already considering how to fill these voids. Reports indicate that the team is looking at potential replacements to ensure the transition does not disrupt their competitive standing in the league [2].
O'Neill said the club must balance the desire to keep talent with the reality of the transfer market. The summer window serves as the primary period for these adjustments to take place [1].
“Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expects the club to lose forward Daizen Maeda and midfielder Arne Engels.”
The expected exit of both Maeda and Engels signals a period of transition for Celtic. Replacing a veteran presence like Maeda and a developing talent like Engels requires a dual strategy of immediate recruitment and long-term scouting. If the club fails to secure high-quality replacements before the window closes, they risk a drop in tactical consistency and squad depth heading into the 2026 campaign.
