The summer of 2025 has proven to be a whirlwind for Celtic, with the club juggling the demands of a packed fixture list, a flurry of transfer activity, and the ever-present pressure to deliver silverware. As Brendan Rodgers’ side prepares to face Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup last 16 at Parkhead, fans are abuzz with anticipation—not just about the match itself, but also about the evolving squad and what lies ahead in a season brimming with promise and uncertainty.
For the first time in fifteen years, both Celtic and Falkirk meet as Scottish Premiership teams, a testament to Falkirk’s recent promotion and the shifting landscape of Scottish football. Their upcoming clash in the Premier Sports Cup is more than just a routine fixture; it’s a repeat of last season’s dramatic quarter-final, where Celtic had to claw their way back from behind twice to eventually triumph at Celtic Park. On that memorable night, Falkirk stunned the home crowd by taking the lead twice—thanks to goals from Ross MacIver and Finn Yeats, with Paulo Bernardo keeping Celtic in the hunt before halftime. The tension reached fever pitch as John McGlynn’s side held a 2-1 advantage at the break, leaving the Bhoys’ faithful fearing a giant-killing upset.
But football, as ever, is a game of moments. Brendan Rodgers’ tactical changes after the interval proved decisive. Introducing Nicolas Kuhn brought a new dimension to Celtic’s attack, and within three minutes, the German winger had set up Adam Idah for two quickfire goals, flipping the script and swinging momentum firmly in Celtic’s favor. Kuhn wasn’t done yet—he added a brace of his own, sealing an emphatic comeback and sending Celtic on their way to eventual cup glory. That run saw them dispatch Aberdeen in the semi-final and edge out Rangers in a penalty shootout after a pulsating 3-3 draw at Hampden Park. The memory of that campaign lingers, fueling hopes for another deep cup run this year.
Yet, Rodgers faces a unique set of challenges as he looks to balance domestic ambitions with the looming specter of European football. The first leg of Celtic’s Champions League qualifier is just around the corner, scheduled for August 20 against either Kairat or Slovan Bratislava. The manager’s focus isn’t solely on the pitch; he’s been vocal about the need to strengthen the squad, especially after the departures of key players Matt O’Riley, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Nicolas Kuhn over the last three transfer windows. Speaking to the press, Rodgers didn’t mince words about his priorities: Celtic need more firepower if they’re to compete on multiple fronts.
Transfer rumors have swirled at a dizzying pace. The pursuit of Romanian international Louis Munteanu has been particularly fraught. Celtic’s bid for the striker was rebuffed by Cluj, with club owner Nelutu Varga stating, “I refused four clear offers. I don’t want to talk about transfer fees anymore. I know how much he’s worth and I’m not in a hurry to give him away. No matter how many offers he has, the right offer will surely come.” Munteanu’s agent is reportedly seeking a hefty £1.7 million per year salary for his client, adding another layer of complexity to negotiations. As of now, the striker remains at Cluj, and Celtic’s search continues.
Other names have been linked to Parkhead as Rodgers and the recruitment team work feverishly behind the scenes. Winger Jakob Breum from Go Ahead Eagles is on the radar, despite a less-than-friendly response from the Dutch club’s chief Jan Willem van Dop. Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Antwerp is another target, but a deal remains elusive as the Belgian club looks to recoup their £4.7 million investment. Adam Obert, valued at £6 million, and Brondby’s Clement Bischoff, who is also being courted by Sunderland, round out a list of potential signings. Former Rangers defender Richard Foster weighed in on the Bischoff saga, remarking, “For me, you are going to Celtic, with the opportunity to go and play in the Champions League. Or, you are going to Sunderland, where, let’s be honest, they are likely going to be cannon fodder for the rest of the league.”
Midfield reinforcements are also on the agenda. Celtic’s pursuit of West Ham’s Andy Irving has hit a snag, with the London club rejecting an initial £2 million offer and holding out for £4 million. Irving, who has struggled for minutes since his move to West Ham in 2023, is keen to return to Scotland in search of regular football and to bolster his international prospects after making his senior Scotland debut in June. Brendan Rodgers is said to be a “huge admirer” of the 25-year-old, but unless Celtic up their bid, they may be forced to look elsewhere.
It’s not all about arrivals—departures and squad reshuffles are inevitable. The arrival of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on loan from Manchester City has pushed academy product Stephen Welsh further down the pecking order, with reports suggesting he’s exploring his options after a loan spell at Mechelen. Meanwhile, Marco Tilio’s anticipated move to Rapid Vienna remains on hold, with sporting director Markus Katzer expressing optimism: “Tilio could give us as much as Dahl, even if he plays differently. He is the perfect fit. It would be a good and fair deal for both.”
On the pitch, Celtic’s start to the season has been quietly impressive. Two wins from two in the league—including a composed 2-0 victory at Pittodrie against Aberdeen—have set a positive tone. New Swedish signing Benjamin Nygren, who arrived from Nordsjaelland for around £1.3 million, opened his account in style, while Reo Hatate’s wonder strike sealed the points. BBC pundit Michael Stewart, speaking on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club, praised Nygren’s impact and suggested he’s already ahead of Arne Engels in the midfield hierarchy. Stewart was candid about the club’s needs: “Celtic need at least two wingers and a striker. With Jota out, Brendan Rodgers has been quite clear about it as well that they need reinforcements at the top end of the park, although he didn’t want to put an exact number on it but it’s clear for all to see.”
As the Bhoys gear up for their Premier Sports Cup showdown with Falkirk, the mood is a mix of optimism and impatience. Supporters are eager for new faces and worried about the club’s ability to compete in Europe without further reinforcements. The next week could prove pivotal, both on and off the field, as Celtic look to advance in the cup and finalize crucial signings before the transfer window slams shut.
With the Champions League qualifier looming and domestic trophies on the line, Rodgers and his squad know the stakes. Friday night’s clash at Parkhead isn’t just another match—it’s a litmus test for Celtic’s readiness to chase glory on all fronts this season.
