Celtic have sent their supporters into another wave of excitement after producing a statement performance against LASK, with reports suggesting that the club could now step up its transfer activity as Martin O’Neill looks to put the finishing touches to his squad.
The Hoops produced one of their most impressive European displays of the campaign on Wednesday night, defeating LASK 3-0 at Celtic Park and taking a commanding advantage into the second leg.
Camilo Durán was the star of the night, scoring twice, while Benjamin Nygren also found the net as Celtic demonstrated the attacking quality that has supporters dreaming of Champions League football.
But while the attention naturally focused on the result, another major conversation has quickly emerged around Celtic’s transfer plans.
According to reports surrounding the club, Celtic are expected to continue working on further deals before the summer window closes, with more than one position still being considered for reinforcement.
The possibility of two or more additional arrivals has already sparked plenty of discussion among supporters, particularly because O’Neill has made it clear through his recruitment that he wants greater depth and competition throughout the squad.
Celtic have already been active this summer.
Kasper Høgh, Camilo Durán, Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur have all arrived, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also joined the squad.
However, the feeling around Parkhead is that the business may not be finished.
Reports have recently linked Celtic with a number of further targets, including Chelsea youngster Landon Emenalo, Niko Sigur of Hajduk Split, Ermin Mahmec of Slovan Liberec, Patrik Wålemark and Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa.
That has created the possibility of a very busy final stretch to the window.
And Wednesday night’s 3-0 victory could make the situation even more interesting.
Celtic now have a major opportunity to reach the Champions League league phase after putting themselves three goals ahead against LASK. The financial rewards associated with qualification would provide the club with an even stronger platform as it looks to strengthen the squad.
The timing could therefore prove crucial.
Rather than slowing down after a convincing European victory, Celtic are reportedly looking at ways to continue improving the team.
For supporters, that is the part that has really caught fire online.
@ParkheadFaithful, wrote: “If that LASK performance doesn’t convince the board to finish the window properly, nothing will.”
@HoopsCentral, posted: “Three goals, Champions League nearly in sight and now more signings? This could get very interesting.”
@CelticView, added: “Durán has already shown what recruitment can do. Imagine adding two more quality players.”
There was also excitement among supporters who believe O’Neill is finally getting the squad he wants.
@Bhoys1888 wrote: “The manager needs depth. Europe, the league and cups will demand it. Two more quality additions would be massive.”
@CelticFanZone reacted: “The scary thing is that this team can still improve. That’s what has everyone talking tonight.”
The enthusiasm is understandable.
Celtic have already demonstrated that some of their summer recruitment can make an immediate impact. Durán’s two-goal performance against LASK was the perfect example, with the new signing becoming one of the biggest talking points of the night.
Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan have also added further options, giving O’Neill more flexibility as the season develops.
But Celtic supporters know that Champions League football demands a deeper squad.
The club’s recent transfer activity has therefore raised expectations rather than lowered them.
The message from supporters is becoming increasingly simple: if Celtic are serious about competing on multiple fronts, the club cannot afford to stop strengthening now.
There is also the question of injuries, fixture congestion and squad rotation.
A Champions League campaign would bring additional high-level matches alongside domestic commitments, meaning O’Neill will need players capable of stepping into the team without significantly reducing the quality.
That is why the possibility of two or more further deals has generated such a strong reaction.
The supporters are not simply demanding signings for the sake of signings.
They want players capable of competing immediately.
@GreenAndWhiteArmy, summed up the mood: “Don’t just buy bodies. Bring in players who can genuinely improve this team.”
@CelticPark1888, posted: “After tonight, the board has to be thinking bigger. We’re so close to something special.”
For now, Celtic’s immediate priority remains completing the job against LASK.
A 3-0 first-leg advantage puts them in an extremely strong position, although O’Neill will know that the tie is not officially finished until the second leg is played.
Still, the atmosphere around the club has changed dramatically.
A few weeks ago, questions were being asked about recruitment and whether Celtic would be ready for the demands of the new campaign.
Now, after a commanding European performance, those conversations have been replaced by excitement about what could come next.
And if the latest transfer reports are accurate, supporters may not have to wait long before another major development emerges.
The possibility of two or more further additions has transformed what was already an interesting transfer window into one of the biggest talking points surrounding the club.
Celtic have already made significant moves.
They have now delivered a statement on the pitch.
And if the club follows that performance by completing more important transfer deals, the Hoops could enter the next stage of the season with supporters believing that something genuinely special is being built at Parkhead.
For now, one thing is certain: the 3-0 win over LASK has not ended the conversation around Celtic. It may have just made it even louder.
