Celtic’s 2025/26 season has been crazy to say the least, with some of their additions playing bigger parts than others. But who succeeded and who will be regarded as a flop?
Recruitment has been a huge issue at Celtic Park over the last couple of years and an almighty rebuild awaits the manager who replaces Martin O’Neill.
This list will go in chronological order of when each player arrived. So, without further ado, here is how 67 Hail Hail rates the signings of each player.
Is this Celtic side underrated because domestic success feels routine?
Kieran Tierney – 7
Our boyhood Hoop returned home last summer following a six-year spell at Arsenal and played his part in winning the title.
It took time for Kieran Tierney to get back to his best as the club were cautious about his injury record but, he stood tall when his team needed him and chipped in with some vital goals.
Ross Doohan – 5
Only ever brought in to fill a homegrown quota and occupy the role of a third-choice goalkeeper. In fairness, he did that pretty well.
Benjamin Nygren – 9
A player that divides opinion, whether you like it or not, Celtic wouldn’t have been crowned champions without Benjamin Nygren.
He has recorded more than 20 goal contributions in his first season, with TalkingPoints users voting Nygren as their player of the season. It’s been an excellent first year in the Hoops.
Callum Osmand – 7
In the limited appearances we have seen from Callum Osmand, there is a lot to like from the youngster.
Osmand bided his time before making an impact in the Premier Sports Cup win against Rangers but had to spend an extended period of time out on the sidelines with injury. Luckily, he came back in time to score the goal that sealed the league title and we can’t wait to see him in action next season.
What would your plan be for Callum Osmand next season?
Hayato Inamura – 3
You can’t help but feel sorry for Hayato Inamura. Although he looked promising in pre-season, Inamura was frozen out completely and returned to Japan on loan in January. Things don’t seem to be going too well for him there either and the defender is in limbo.
Shin Yamada – 3
You could say the exact same about Shin Yamada as we did for Inamura. The forward was given more chances than his native companion but didn’t show enough in that time.
Yamada was also shipped out on loan and it is unlikely we will see him again.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – 2
We saw less than 90 minutes of action for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey before Manchester City cancelled his loan and sent him to Koln. He will make a great quiz question about forgotten Celtic players.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha – 1
I like to be fair when rating players but make no mistake, this is pound-for-pound one of Celtic’s worst signings.
Celtic tracked Michel-Ange Balikwisha for the best part of two years and, aside from an assist for Daizen Maeda’s winner against Motherwell, did nothing. Balikwisha even struggled against Auchinleck Talbot in January. Take any bid and run with it Celtic.
Marcelo Saracchi – 8
He may be playing second fiddle to Tierney but Marelo Saracchi has been brilliant for the Hoops.
Martin O’Neill singled out Saracchi for his role on the final day and has been reliable when called upon.
Celtic are in talks to sign him permanently and hopefully that will happen.
Sebastian Tounekti – 6
Consistently inconsistent is the way I would describe Sebastian Tounekti’s first season in Glasgow. Tounekti has looked better off the bench for Celtic this campaign and has been a useful squad asset so far.
He needs to show more but now going into his second year, let’s hope he can take it to the next level.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 7
Written off before kicking a ball, Kelechi Iheanacho has been the super sub that has helped Celtic when they need him most.
Iheanacho has scored some huge goals late on in games and I don’t think there will be a single Hoops fan who would begrudge the club offering him a new deal.
Julian Araujo – 8
Without Julian Araujo coming in at the start of the year, there is every chance that Celtic would have crumbled.
Araujo’s infectious enthusiasm was exactly what the team needed and is one of Wilfried Nancy’s few positives from that ill-fated spell.
It was such a shame that the full-back got injured. Maybe we will see him back one day.
Tomas Cvancara – 5
Had a few bright sparks here and there, rattled a few Rangers fans but ultimately didn’t do enough on the pitch.
Tomas Cvancara was far too inconsistent and probably hasn’t done enough to trigger the £7m fee to sign him permanently.
Should Celtic bring Tomas Cvancara back next season?
The on-loan striker's season is now over after injury…
Junior Adamu – 2
Thought we were onto a winner after his backheeled goal against Dundee on his debut. That was about as good as it got.
Goodbye Junior Adamu, we hardly knew you.
Joel Mvuka – 1
File him under the list of players you’ll have forgotten have played Celtic.
Benjamin Arthur – 6
Shown some promising signs during his loan spells. Benjamin Arthur will have a successful career and did well in difficult circumstances.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5
Scored a cracking goal on his debut against Livingston but looked rusty after so long away from football. He may see his contract extended but that will depend on who becomes the new manager.
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