NO FIRST-TEAM SIGNINGS. NO SENSE OF URGENCY. WHERE IS CELTIC’S AMBITION?

The transfer window is moving at pace.

Across Scotland, clubs are strengthening, identifying weaknesses and bringing fresh faces through the door. Yet Celtic, the champions, continue to stand still.

Supporters were told this summer was crucial. With another Champions League campaign approaching and European expectations growing, this was the opportunity to build from a position of strength.

Instead, what have Celtic actually done?

The only arrivals officially announced to the first-team set-up have been three men who were already inside the club.

• Martin O’Neill
• Shaun Maloney
• Mark Fotheringham

It even took weeks to complete those appointments.

Not one new first-team player has walked through the door.

Meanwhile, the squad continues to lose experience and depth.

Players who have left or moved on include:

• Luis Palma
• Stephen Welsh
• Josh Clarke
• Ben McPherson
• Julián Araujo (loan ended)
• Junior Adamu (loan ended)
• Tomáš Čvančara (loan ended)
• Marcelo Saracchi (loan ended)
• Joel Mvuka (loan ended)
• Benjamin Arthur (loan ended)
• Kasper Schmeichel (retired)
• Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (contract expired)
• Kelechi Iheanacho (contract expired)

At the same time, uncertainty continues to surround key first-team players.

Benjamin Nygren has been linked with interest.

Daizen Maeda continues to attract speculation.

Arne Engels has admirers across Europe.

Alistair Johnston’s performances have reportedly drawn attention.

The possibility of further departures only increases the urgency to strengthen.

Yet Celtic remain exactly where they were weeks ago.

Compare that with the competition.

Rangers have already brought in:

• Dan Neil
• Ivor Pandur
• Ben Godfrey
• Ross McCrorie
• Lawrence Shankland

Hearts have also moved aggressively in the market, adding:

• Sabri Guendouz
• Malachi Fagan-Walcott
• Amadou Ba-Sy
• Tom Renaud
• Calvin Miller
• Josh McPake
• MJ Kamson-Kamara

Whether every signing succeeds is almost beside the point.

Both clubs are showing urgency.

Both clubs are attempting to improve.

Celtic, with the strongest financial position in Scottish football, appear to be waiting once again.

Every summer supporters hear the same promises.

“We’re working hard.”

“We’re monitoring targets.”

“We won’t panic.”

But preparation isn’t measured by words. It’s measured by players arriving early enough to settle, build relationships and be ready for the Champions League qualifiers.

The board have had months to prepare.

Instead, the squad looks weaker than it did at the end of last season, while rivals continue adding bodies and competition for places.

Standing still in football rarely means standing still.

It usually means falling behind.

The most frustrating part is that this situation feels entirely avoidable.

For a club with Celtic’s resources, infrastructure and ambition, there should never be a summer where no new first-team player has arrived while the fixture list edges ever closer.

Supporters have every right to ask difficult questions.

If Celtic are the biggest club in Scotland, why are they behaving like they’re waiting for the transfer window to start while everyone else is already doing business?