After the turmoil of Wilfried Nancy’s brief spell in charge and the shockwaves caused by Brendan Rodgers walking away, it would be quite a story if Martin O’Neill returned to steer Celtic to another Premiership title.
Back in the dugout for a second stint during the 2025/26 campaign, the veteran manager has at least restored some momentum, even if the narrow midweek win over Falkirk did little to inspire. Despite that lift, Celtic still trail leaders Hearts by six points, and the squad looks short of the quality required to mount a serious comeback without reinforcements.
Any romantic return for Kyogo Furuhashi now appears unlikely, but speculation around attacking additions is gathering pace, particularly with uncertainty surrounding Daizen Maeda’s future.
Celtic exploring options as Maeda doubts linger
O’Neill recently confirmed that Maeda was close to a move to Wolfsburg in the summer, with the winger keen on a new challenge after more than three years in Glasgow. There has been no firm indication that the Bundesliga side will revive their interest, but the landscape could shift, especially with Andreas Skov Olsen heading to Rangers.
While Celtic are not short of players who can operate on the left, several have failed to fully convince. Michel Ange Balikwisha has struggled for consistency, Sebastian Tounekti has found the net only twice, and Jota is expected to miss the remainder of the season through injury. That context has fuelled talk of another addition, with Sky Sports reporting that Celtic have made enquiries about Basel attacker Phillip Otele.
The 26 year old is expected to leave the Swiss club this month, with a fee in the region of £6 million being discussed amid interest from several clubs. Although Sky have listed him as a striker target, Otele has largely featured from the left flank at Basel.
Could Otele’s arrival signal Maeda’s exit
Injuries and departures have seen Maeda used centrally at times, but his best form at Celtic has come from wide areas. His outstanding 2024/25 season produced 33 goals in all competitions, underlining his importance. This campaign has been quieter, with eight goals so far, and some observers have questioned his body language after muted celebrations in recent weeks.
If Celtic press ahead with a move for Otele, it could accelerate Maeda’s departure, either now or in the summer. The Nigerian would likely offer a step up on current options, having scored eight times this season in Switzerland and 17 goals across 51 appearances overall.
Quick, direct and productive, Otele has generally delivered wherever he has played in Europe, with his lone disappointing spell coming in the Middle East. He has also made an impact in the Europa League, where his underlying numbers highlight a well rounded attacking profile, combining goal threat, ball carrying and defensive work rate.
Maeda’s strengths remain clear, particularly his pressing and defensive contribution, but his limitations in possession contrast with Otele’s ability to drive play forward. Whether that makes the Basel forward a clear upgrade is open to debate, but if Celtic are planning for life after one of last season’s standout performers, Otele fits the profile of a potential successor.
Maeda has been a key figure during his time at Parkhead, yet if the club can strengthen both out wide and through the middle, this could be the moment to move on and reinvest as O’Neill looks to close the gap at the top.