JUST IN: CELTIC PLUNGED INTO TURMOIL AS SHOCK TRANSFER TWIST EMERGES  MARTIN O’NEILL REVEALED

Celtic have been rocked by a major transfer development after the club reportedly agreed a deal to sign Bodø/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh in what could become a club-record transfer.

The reported agreement, worth more than £11 million including add-ons, comes as Martin O’Neill looks to reshape his squad ahead of the new season.

Høgh has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking players in European football after impressing for Bodø/Glimt, including during the club’s Champions League campaign. Celtic have now moved quickly to secure his signature, with the striker expected to undergo a medical before completing the move.

The deal could make Høgh the most expensive signing in Celtic’s history.

However, the transfer comes at a time when Celtic are facing a major problem.

The club have just lost one of their most important attacking players, with Daizen Maeda completing a reported £10 million move to newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town.

Maeda had become a key figure at Celtic and was one of the most popular players among supporters. His departure has left O’Neill with a significant gap to fill in attack, while the timing of the move has only increased the pressure surrounding the club’s summer transfer business.

And that is where the turmoil surrounding Celtic has begun to grow.

Supporters have become increasingly frustrated by the club’s slow start to the transfer window. While important players have left, there had been concerns that Celtic were not moving quickly enough to replace them or strengthen the squad.

O’Neill himself admitted that he was “really disappointed” to lose Maeda, although he accepted that the Japan international had earned the opportunity to play in the Premier League.

The manager also understands the financial reality of competing with English clubs. Celtic were unable to match the financial power available to Premier League sides, while Maeda was entering the final year of his contract.

That made the decision to sell him more understandable from a business perspective but it did little to calm supporters who were already demanding major investment in the squad.

The frustration was clear among sections of the Celtic support.

One fan wrote: “Losing Maeda hurts, but if Høgh is the answer and the club are finally ready to spend, then this could still turn into a good window.”

Another supporter added: “We cannot lose a player like Maeda and then act as if one signing solves everything. Celtic still need more quality.”

A third fan was more optimistic, writing: “A club-record signing is exactly the kind of statement we have been waiting for. Now back Martin O’Neill properly.”

But another supporter remained unconvinced: “The problem was never just one player. The entire transfer strategy has been too slow, and the board has left the manager under pressure.”

That mixed reaction perfectly sums up the mood around Celtic.

There is excitement over the potential arrival of Høgh, but there is also concern that the club are simply reacting to the loss of Maeda rather than following a clear long-term plan.

Now, however, Celtic appear ready to respond.

The move for Høgh could represent a major statement from the club and a sign that O’Neill is finally receiving the backing he was promised when he returned to the Celtic dugout.

The manager guided Celtic to a dramatic league and Scottish Cup double after taking charge earlier this year and subsequently agreed to remain in the role for another season.

But the pressure has not disappeared.

Celtic are still expected to strengthen further, particularly with questions surrounding the futures of several players. The club must also deal with the growing challenge from Rangers, who are determined to close the gap after Celtic’s dominance of Scottish football.

That is why the Høgh transfer could prove so important.

The Danish striker is not simply being brought in to fill a position. He is arriving with the expectation of replacing a player who made a major impact at Celtic and helping O’Neill lead a new attacking era at Parkhead.

The club-record fee also sends a clear message: Celtic are prepared to spend heavily when they believe the right player is available.

But whether one major signing will be enough to calm the growing frustration remains to be seen.

For O’Neill, the next few weeks could be crucial. Celtic have already lost a key player, their transfer strategy has come under scrutiny and supporters are demanding more from the club.

The arrival of Høgh could therefore be the beginning of a major rebuild.

Or it could simply be the first response to a summer that has already plunged Celtic into turmoil.

One thing is certain: Martin O’Neill now has a major decision to make.

The Celtic manager must ensure that the club’s latest transfer twist becomes the start of a new era and not just a reaction to the loss of one of their biggest stars.