Martin O'Neill Admits Defeat: Three Key Celtic Stars Set to Leave This Summer

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has acknowledged that Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, and Reo Hatate are all likely to depart before the summer transfer window closes. The Scottish champions, who clinched a fifth straight league title on the final day last season, have already moved on Luis Palma, Stephen Welsh, Hayato Inamura, and Josh Clarke this window. Now O'Neill is bracing for another wave of exits. Maeda, whose contract runs until 2027, was close to joining Wolfsburg last year before the deal collapsed. Despite his long-term deal, O'Neill expects the Japan international to move on. "I think there's some resignation in that aspect," he told reporters. "Personally speaking, I would love it if he just let his contract run through. I'm not sure that's going to happen." Hatate, with one year remaining on his deal, fell out of O'Neill's preferred XI late last season. "I think Reo has done exceptionally well. He's probably looking to see if there's new pastures for him," O'Neill said. "I'd love to keep him, but if he left, he couldn't have done any more for us." Engels attracted serious interest from Nottingham Forest in January. O'Neill noted that if a suitable bid arrives earlier this time, a deal could be done. "If some things can happen a bit earlier, then maybe there's some resignation on my part," he added. On the recruitment side, Celtic have signed Qarabag forward Camilo Duran as their first summer addition. The club is also tracking Kieron Bowie, Elijah Just, and Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh as they prepare for Maeda's likely departure.