It’s been a whirlwind January for Celtic FC, with transfer rumors swirling, key departures, and a managerial merry-go-round keeping supporters on the edge of their seats. As the winter window passes its halfway mark, the club finds itself at a crossroads—balancing the need for fresh faces with the realities of a tumultuous season and the ever-present pressure from the stands.
On January 16, 2026, The Celtic Star broke the news that Mitchell Robertson, the captain of Celtic’s B Team, has reached an agreement to join Livingston FC. The 20-year-old center-back, currently honing his craft on loan at Inverness Caledonian Thistle in League One, is expected to finish out the campaign in the Highlands before officially making the switch to David Martindale’s side at season’s end. The deal, carefully structured with performance-related clauses and future incentives, reflects both clubs’ commitment to Robertson’s long-term growth. For the young defender, consistent senior football at a higher level is the next logical step in his development. "The commanding young centre-back is currently gaining valuable minutes on loan with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in League One," reported The Celtic Star, emphasizing the importance of this period in his career progression.
Livingston, meanwhile, are fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation, trailing Kilmarnock by eight points and St Mirren by four as the season enters its most critical phase. The arrival of a promising talent like Robertson could offer a much-needed boost, both for the present battle and for the club’s future. The transfer is a calculated move, one that recognizes the urgency of Livingston’s situation while also investing in potential. As the B Team skipper prepares for his next chapter, all eyes will be on how his final months at Inverness shape his readiness for the Premiership stage.
But the transfer market drama at Celtic doesn’t end there. The club has been linked with a high-profile pursuit of West Ham striker Callum Wilson, a proven Premier League goal scorer with 18 appearances and four goals to his name this season. Manager Martin O’Neill, back at the helm for a second stint after a tumultuous few months at Parkhead, is desperate to reinforce his attacking options. Injuries to Kelechi Iheanacho—who is now back in training—and Callum Osmand have left Johnny Kenny as the only recognized center-forward available, creating a sense of urgency in the search for reinforcements. Daizen Maeda, typically deployed on the wing, has been filling in as a makeshift striker ever since Kyogo’s departure nearly a year ago, but the lack of a specialist up front has been keenly felt.
Despite initial reports from Sky Sports that Celtic had made a preliminary inquiry for Wilson, the latest updates suggest the move is unlikely. According to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, "Al-Shabab to offer Callum Wilson deal but there is other Saudi and UAE interest in West Ham forward. Talks over contract termination and could travel next week to Middle East. The 33 year-old has Premier League interest but set to explore foreign move…" With Saudi clubs circling and Wilson himself reportedly open to a Middle Eastern adventure, Celtic’s hopes of landing the England international have all but faded. The club’s interest has now been reduced to background noise, and supporters are left wondering whether any new striker will arrive before the window slams shut.
Frustration has been mounting among the Celtic faithful, who expected more than a single loan signing by this stage of the transfer period. Julian Araujo’s arrival from Bournemouth, secured ahead of the Glasgow Derby, was a positive start, but since then, the club has failed to add further reinforcements. The board’s perceived hesitancy has drawn criticism, especially as the team’s attacking depth has been stretched thin by injuries and departures.
The managerial situation at Parkhead has only added to the sense of instability. Wilfried Nancy, appointed with high hopes, was dismissed after just eight games in charge, having managed only two wins. Paul Tisdale, who played a key role in bringing Nancy to the club, was also shown the door. In a move that surprised many, Martin O’Neill answered the call for a second time this season, returning to steady the ship. Yet, as noted by observers, O’Neill has not been given the backing he arguably deserves in the transfer market. The lack of meaningful support has left Celtic vulnerable, especially as rivals strengthen their squads for the challenges ahead.
While much of the attention has been on potential arrivals, some departures have flown under the radar. On January 18, 2026, it was confirmed that 21-year-old midfielder Ben Summers has permanently left Celtic, joining Ayr United on an initial loan through season’s end, followed by a two-year deal. Summers, who made just two senior appearances for Celtic under former manager Ange Postecoglou, hasn’t featured for the first team in nearly three years. Once tipped as a future star, he now seeks a fresh start under the guidance of Scott Brown at Ayr United—a move that maintains a Celtic connection while offering Summers the chance for regular football. The news, overshadowed by transfer speculation, underscores the challenges faced by young prospects trying to break into a club where pathways to the first team can be limited.
Summers’ exit is emblematic of a broader issue at Celtic: the difficulty in translating youth potential into senior success. As one observer put it, "There simply is not a pathway available at this point." The club’s focus on short-term results and the high expectations of supporters often mean that promising youngsters must look elsewhere for regular minutes and career progression.
As the transfer window ticks down, the mood around Celtic is one of anticipation mixed with anxiety. Fans are eager for decisive action—be it a marquee signing or a bold tactical shift—to inject new energy into the squad. The pressure is on the board to deliver, with supporters making their voices heard both online and at the stadium. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Celtic can reinforce their ranks and mount a serious challenge on all fronts, or whether this season will be remembered as one of missed opportunities and what-ifs.
For now, the story is still unfolding. Robertson’s move to Livingston is set, but his immediate focus remains on Inverness. Wilson, once a tantalizing target, appears destined for the Middle East. Summers embarks on a new journey at Ayr United, while O’Neill and the Celtic faithful wait—impatiently, perhaps—for the next move in this unpredictable January window. The coming days promise plenty of intrigue as Celtic look to shape their destiny for the remainder of the campaign.