Celtic acknowledge that a target for Everton and Nottingham Forest is likely to depart this summer, but hopes of signing as a free agent remain.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has acknowledged that several members of his squad could leave Parkhead before the end of the summer transfer window, while also expressing hope that at least one of his key players will remain for another season despite growing interest from the Premier League.

The Scottish champions are preparing for another important campaign, but uncertainty continues to surround the futures of a number of first-team players. With clubs across Europe monitoring several Celtic stars, O’Neill accepts that changes could be unavoidable as the transfer window progresses.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic FC with Reo Hatate of Celtic FC | Getty Images

Among the players attracting the greatest attention is Japanese winger Daizen Maeda, who has been linked with moves to both Everton and Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Arne Engels, Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren are also being mentioned as possible departures during what could become a significant summer of squad restructuring.

Premier League Clubs Continue Monitoring Daizen Maeda

Daizen Maeda remains one of Celtic’s most valuable attacking players, making him an attractive target for clubs looking to strengthen before the new season.

Reports continue to link the Japan international with Premier League sides Everton and Nottingham Forest, both of whom are believed to be monitoring his situation closely.

Maeda is entering the final year of his current contract at Celtic Park, creating an interesting dilemma for both player and club.

Normally, clubs prefer to sell valuable assets before they reach the final stages of their contracts in order to avoid losing them without receiving a transfer fee.

However, O’Neill has indicated that he would actually welcome a different outcome if possible.

O’Neill Happy for Maeda to Stay Until Contract Expires

Rather than pushing for an immediate sale, O’Neill revealed that he would be delighted if Maeda simply remained with Celtic throughout the final year of his contract before leaving as a free agent next summer.

The manager explained that his preference is based on sporting rather than financial considerations.

From O’Neill’s perspective, retaining one of the club’s most influential attacking players for another full campaign would provide greater value than receiving a transfer fee this summer.

He acknowledged that the final decision will ultimately rest with Maeda and his representatives, but made it clear he would happily keep the winger if that became possible.

For Celtic supporters, hearing the manager prioritise on-field success over immediate financial gain is likely to be viewed positively.

Henrik Larsson Comparison Highlights O’Neill’s Thinking

While discussing Maeda’s contract situation, O’Neill reflected on one of Celtic’s greatest modern legends.

He recalled how Henrik Larsson informed him approximately one year before leaving that his final season at the club would be his last.

Despite already planning his departure, Larsson remained completely committed throughout that campaign and produced another outstanding season before eventually moving on.

O’Neill suggested he would happily see a similar situation develop with Maeda.

Although the circumstances differ slightly because the Japanese international still has one year remaining on his contract, the manager believes a player can still deliver exceptional performances even while approaching the end of a deal.

His comments underline the trust he continues to place in Maeda’s professionalism.

Arne Engels Also Facing Uncertain Future

Another player whose future remains unclear is Belgian midfielder Arne Engels.

The talented midfielder attracted strong interest from Nottingham Forest during the January transfer window.

However, O’Neill explained that the timing of those approaches prevented Celtic from seriously considering a sale.

According to the manager, the bids arrived extremely late in the transfer window, leaving the club with insufficient time to recruit an appropriate replacement.

As a result, Celtic decided against allowing Engels to leave.

Soon afterwards, the midfielder suffered an injury, further complicating the situation.

Looking ahead to the current transfer window, O’Neill acknowledged there may now be greater acceptance that Engels could eventually move if suitable offers arrive early enough.

Timing Could Be Crucial This Summer

One of the key themes emerging from O’Neill’s comments is the importance of timing.

The Celtic manager stressed that early transfer activity allows clubs to plan effectively and identify suitable replacements before finalising departures.

Late offers, even if financially attractive, can become extremely difficult to accept because they leave little opportunity to strengthen the squad before the window closes.

That was precisely the issue Celtic encountered with Nottingham Forest’s attempts to sign Engels earlier in the year.

Should fresh interest emerge this summer, O’Neill would clearly prefer negotiations to begin well before the closing stages of the transfer window.

Such an approach would provide greater flexibility when rebuilding the squad.

Reo Hatate Could Also Seek a New Challenge

Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate is another player whose future remains uncertain.

After spending several successful seasons at Celtic, reports continue linking him with a move abroad.

O’Neill admitted he understands why Hatate may now be considering the next stage of his career.

The midfielder has enjoyed considerable success in Scotland and has consistently been regarded among the Premiership’s standout performers.

Many observers previously described him as one of the league’s finest players, reflecting the quality he has displayed since arriving at Celtic Park.

With that in mind, O’Neill accepts the possibility that Hatate could now wish to test himself in another European league.

Celtic Will Wait to See How Situation Develops

Despite the speculation, O’Neill insists no final decisions have yet been made regarding Hatate.

The manager explained that transfer windows naturally create uncertainty for players whose futures are being discussed publicly.

Until concrete offers arrive, much remains uncertain.

O’Neill intends to assess Hatate’s situation as preparations for the new season continue before deciding how best to move forward.

Should no suitable transfer materialise, the Celtic manager made it clear he would be more than happy to retain the midfielder.

Keeping an experienced player of Hatate’s quality would certainly strengthen Celtic’s chances in both domestic and European competitions.

Benjamin Nygren Also Attracting Attention

Benjamin Nygren has also emerged as a player attracting growing interest following an impressive first season with the Scottish champions.

The attacking midfielder enjoyed an encouraging debut campaign and produced statistics that have caught the attention of clubs elsewhere.

O’Neill acknowledged that Nygren’s numbers make him another player who could potentially receive offers before the transfer window closes.

Although no specific move has yet progressed significantly, the manager recognises that continued interest is entirely understandable given the player’s performances.

Should serious bids eventually arrive, Celtic may once again face difficult decisions regarding another important member of the squad.

Training Camp Continues Amid Transfer Speculation

Celtic’s pre-season preparations are currently continuing with a training camp in Portugal.

While the players focus on fitness and tactical work ahead of the new campaign, transfer speculation continues surrounding several established first-team stars.

O’Neill accepts that uncertainty is an unavoidable part of modern football during the summer months.

The club’s objective is to prepare the squad as effectively as possible while remaining ready to respond should significant offers arrive for any of their leading players.

Whether Maeda, Engels, Hatate or Nygren ultimately remain at Celtic Park or depart before the transfer deadline, the coming weeks are likely to play a decisive role in shaping the Scottish champions’ squad for another season filled with domestic expectations and Champions League ambitions.