Journalist Anthony Joseph has confirmed that Celtic are holding a transfer meeting at Lennoxtown on Monday night as the club looks to push deals forward in the January window.
The meeting is taking place at a critical moment in Celtic’s season. Results have tightened the title race, and there is little room for hesitation with key fixtures ahead. Recruitment has become the central issue, with the lack of options in attack continuing to draw attention.
Martin O’Neill has already spoken in recent days about hoping to add players quickly. His comments suggested optimism, but also hinted at frustration with how long matters have dragged on. This meeting reflects that urgency turning into direct action.
Anthony Joseph’s comments give clear context to what is happening behind the scenes. While he spoke earlier, the situation he described is unfolding now. Senior figures are gathered with a shared focus on recruitment.
This is not a routine catch-up. The scale of the meeting points to the seriousness of Celtic’s position. Decisions taken tonight could shape the remainder of the season.
The striker position remains the biggest concern. Celtic have struggled for consistency in front of goal, and the lack of depth has been exposed during a busy schedule. That issue sits at the heart of discussions.
The meeting brings together voices from different parts of the club. It reflects an attempt to align football needs with financial reality. After recent changes behind the scenes, clarity of direction is essential.
Joseph’s comments also suggest that Celtic’s work so far has been wide-ranging but slow to progress. Many names have been checked, but few have moved beyond early talks. That gap between interest and action is now under scrutiny.
Supporters have grown impatient. Each day without movement increases pressure on the board and recruitment staff. This meeting is happening against that backdrop.
Joseph said: (Off the Underside Podcast), “Celtic really need a striker, at the very least they need to bring one in.
“They have made a lot of enquiries for a lot of players and a lot of targets.
“Only a handful have probably gone any distance beyond that stage.
“So they are working on transfers.
“I know tonight they are having an emergency transfer meeting involving Michael Nicholson, Martin O’Neill, James Bell Walker, the new senior scout who came in from Chelsea, and Shaun Maloney.”
Those comments frame what is happening at Lennoxtown right now. Celtic are trying to move from discussion to decision. The focus is no longer on identifying needs, but on acting on them.
The presence of James Bell-Walker adds a new dimension to the meeting. He only joined Celtic at the start of this month after a long spell working in recruitment roles in England, most recently with Chelsea, where he was involved in identifying first-team and emerging talent across several markets.
His background is heavily focused on scouting rather than finance or administration, which makes his involvement at this stage interesting. With the window entering a critical phase, Bell-Walker’s role appears to be active rather than observational, suggesting Celtic are already leaning on his experience as they narrow down targets.
Sean Maloney’s involvement links recruitment to the first-team environment. His understanding of the squad and training ground realities adds weight to the football side of the debate. That connection could shape which targets are prioritised.
Michael Nicholson’s role underlines the financial dimension. Any deal agreed must fit within Celtic’s structure and long-term planning. Balancing urgency with responsibility remains difficult.
For O’Neill, this meeting is about support. He needs players he trusts, not short-term gambles. The decisions made tonight will reflect how much backing he receives.
The timing is significant with fixtures looming. Even if deals are agreed soon, integration time will be limited. That reality adds pressure to get the right profiles.
This meeting also signals accountability. Celtic’s leadership is actively engaging rather than deflecting. Whether that leads to results will be judged quickly.
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – January 3, 2026 Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson, Chief Financial Officer Chris McKay, and Interim Chairman Brian Wilson inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
As the night unfolds at Lennoxtown, the focus is on outcomes. Talks, enquiries, and shortlists must turn into signings. Anything less will deepen frustration.
Celtic’s season may hinge on what comes next. This meeting is a clear sign that the club understands what is at stake. Now, action has to follow.
