Callum McGregor has responded to growing concerns over Celtic’s lack of transfer activity ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League play-off first leg against Kairat Almaty.
McGregor accepts that pressure is part of modern football, where fans always want the next new signing. But he stressed the need for quality over numbers, pointing to the strong form and togetherness in the current squad. His words strike a balance between keeping supporters calm and reminding the board that improvements are still needed.
The Celtic skipper made it clear that while new signings would be a boost, they must improve the team. He doesn’t want players signed just to make up the numbers, especially with Europe on the line. It’s a message of respect for the group that’s already in place, while still calling for the right additions.
With the Champions League qualifiers starting this week, McGregor’s message paints the transfer situation as controlled and focused, not desperate. The team has good momentum going in, and while fans want fresh faces, there’s still confidence in those already at the club.
He said: “Listen, everyone is impatient in football. Everybody wants the next new shiny thing, and that’s just where we are. That’s the way the world is.
“Obviously, we have to keep progressing; we have to keep bringing in quality. And that’s the one thing I will say is we have to add quality. We don’t just want to add numbers for the sake of it because we’re getting close to the window, and you think we need bodies; we need bodies. We need quality players.
“The guys that are here, the guys that have done really good work in the last 12 months, we have to trust them as well. We have to trust the team. The team are in good momentum, got some good results last year in the Champions League, and we’ve started well.
“So we have to trust the team that’s there to go and do the job as well. And of course, like everyone, we want quality players to come in and add to that and help.”
McGregor’s comments give a clear picture of how the club is thinking as Celtic get ready for a key European tie with little movement in the transfer market. He’s asking for smart signings instead of rushed deals, backing the current squad as the base while still aiming to improve.
There’s a quiet confidence in what he’s saying, showing faith in the players already here. Celtic’s progress over the last year, especially in Europe, has given them something to build on. McGregor’s trust in the group highlights the belief within the squad and reminds everyone the core remains solid.
At the same time, his push for more quality shows Celtic are still working to strengthen before the window shuts. It’s a careful message, calm and steady but with the clear hope that reinforcements are coming. The club needs to get that balance right before time runs out.
As Wednesday night draws near, attention moves from off-field matters to the game itself. With McGregor leading the team and the players ready to step up, Celtic will be hoping any late arrivals come in time to make a difference in their Champions League push.
