Celtic’s pre-season plans for 2025 are starting to take proper shape, with several friendly fixtures confirmed, travel details finalised, and training preparations well underway. While the Hoops had already hinted at what was to come, recent updates have now fleshed out a detailed schedule that’s sure to get fans buzzing ahead of the summer campaign.
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The pre-season kicks off with a Friday night clash against Queen’s Park on 4 July at 7:45 PM in Glasgow. Then Celtic head across the waters for the inaugural Cork Super Cup, where they’ll face Cork City on Tuesday, 8 July at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. This fresh fixture not only offers a decent test but also serves as a nod to the club’s deep Irish roots, giving Irish fans a rare chance to see the Bhoys in action on home turf.
From there, the Hoops shift focus to Portugal for a warm-weather training camp in Faro, capped off by a tasty tie against Sporting CP on Wednesday, 16 July at the Estádio do Algarve. The eight-day camp will be crucial for building fitness and bedding in tactical plans, particularly with Champions League qualifiers looming. The squad is set to touch down in Lisbon before making their way south to Faro, where they’ll be put through their paces in the summer heat.
Following the Portuguese leg, it’s back to Glasgow where Celtic will host Newcastle United at Celtic Park in a friendly on Saturday, 19 July. It’s a proper glamour tie against Premier League opposition and offers a real benchmark of where the team stands midway through pre-season.
Then it’s off to Italy for the Como Cup, running from 23 to 27 July at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The Bhoys will play matches on 24 and 26 July against a cracking line-up of sides: hosts Como, Dutch legends Ajax, and Saudi outfit Al-Ahli. With different styles and strong squads, this mini-tournament will push Celtic’s tactical flexibility and squad depth, giving the gaffer a good look at who’s ready to step up.
Back at Lennoxtown, most of the squad is expected to return for training by late June, with the international lads joining a bit later after their summer duties. The pre-season schedule has been stitched together with clear intent, not just to build sharpness, but to mould a team ready to hit the ground running in both domestic and European competition.
With quality opposition, international exposure, and top-tier preparation, this pre-season isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It’s a bold statement of ambition. From Glasgow to Cork, Faro to Como, the Bhoys are gearing up for a season where they’ll be looking to hit top gear early doors, and Celts fans will be right behind them, as always.