Martin O'Neill has all but accepted that two of Celtic's most influential performers will be leaving Parkhead this summer, with the noises out of Glasgow suggesting Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda are on their way.

The Celtic manager is resigned to selling 22-year-old Belgian midfielder Engels and 28-year-old Japan forward Maeda before the window closes, according to reports in the Daily Record. Both players have attracted serious interest, and O'Neill appears to be working on the basis that the club will need to rebuild rather than retain.

There is, however, a softer note attached to the Maeda situation. Reports in The Herald suggest O'Neill would ideally love to keep the forward and allow him to run down the final year of his contract — a romantic parallel to the way Celtic legend Henrik Larsson departed more than two decades ago. The reality of the market, though, may not allow for such sentiment.

McGregor's Future Under the Microscope

Adding to the uncertainty in the Celtic camp, O'Neill is also set to hold talks with club captain Callum McGregor about his future. The 33-year-old midfielder has reportedly switched agents, and the Glasgow Times suggests that interest from other clubs has prompted O'Neill to seek clarity on McGregor's intentions before the summer progresses further.

On the incomings side, O'Neill has confirmed Celtic retain an interest in re-signing 29-year-old forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who is currently training at the Seedorf Football Academy in Manchester alongside Newcastle United striker William Osula. A deal has not been done, but the door appears to remain open.

Celtic are also among the clubs monitoring Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, 23, with negotiations between Hertha and Feyenoord reportedly advancing — though the Germans and Wolfsburg are also in the picture, according to German outlet Kicker.

Rangers in a Holding Pattern

Across the city, Derek McInnes has been candid about the situation at Ibrox: Rangers want reinforcements, but the manager acknowledges that players will need to leave first before more arrivals can be sanctioned. The club remains in a holding pattern, balancing squad trimming with recruitment ambition.

One player Rangers are keen to bring in is Tromso's 20-year-old midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl, though a £5.3m bid has already been knocked back by the Norwegian club. Hjerto-Dahl himself has spoken openly about his desire to complete the move, despite reported interest from Besiktas also circling.

Elsewhere in the Scottish Game

The rest of the Scottish Premiership is equally active. Among the other developments worth tracking:

  • Millwall have entered the race to sign Celtic striker Johnny Kenny on a permanent basis, with Bolton Wanderers also interested in the 23-year-old following his loan spell that helped them win promotion to the Championship.
  • Kilmarnock left-back Dominic Thompson, 25, is heading to Belgium after Beveren agreed a six-figure fee. Thompson is due to travel for a medical and finalise personal terms.
  • Hellas Verona sporting director Sean Sogliano says the Italian club will listen to offers for Scotland striker Keiron Bowie — but only at the right price, per the Daily Record.
  • St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has decided against signing left-back Liam McCarron, 25, after a trial period at McDiarmid Park.

It is shaping up to be a defining summer for both Old Firm clubs. Celtic face the challenge of replacing quality they appear likely to lose, while Rangers must move the needle in both directions before McInnes can truly reshape his squad. The market is moving quickly — and neither club can afford to stand still.

Frequently asked

Is Daizen Maeda leaving Celtic this summer?
Reports suggest Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is resigned to selling Maeda, though he would personally prefer to keep the forward for the final year of his contract. A departure looks the more likely outcome.
Who is Arne Engels and why are Celtic selling him?
Arne Engels is a 22-year-old Belgian midfielder who has been one of Celtic's standout players. The club appear resigned to cashing in on him this summer, with significant interest expected from elsewhere.
What is happening with Callum McGregor at Celtic?
The Celtic captain, who is 33, has switched agents amid reported interest from other clubs. Manager Martin O'Neill plans to hold talks with McGregor to establish his intentions before the window progresses.