Celtic completed a remarkable flurry of business by securing five new players in a single day ahead of the upcoming European registration cutoff. The reigning Scottish champions finalized the moves to strengthen their roster just before the deadline required for players to participate in continental fixtures.
The busiest day of the transfer cycle began with the confirmation of three temporary arrivals. Experienced goalkeeper Sam Johnstone joined the Glasgow club on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers to compete with Finland international Viljami Sinisalo for the starting spot between the posts. The 33-year-old expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Scottish giants, noting that former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart had reached out to praise the club and its supporters. Johnstone brings extensive experience from his previous spells at Manchester United, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, and Crystal Palace, having earned four caps for the England national team.
Alongside Johnstone, Celtic brought in two teenage prospects from Chelsea on loan deals. Eighteen-year-old forward Shumaira Mheuka arrived after agreeing to a contract extension with the London side through 2031, having previously captained their under-21 squad and made several senior appearances. Fellow 18-year-old Landon Emenalo also made the temporary switch from Stamford Bridge to provide defensive cover at left-back, offering an energetic presence capable of contributing in the final third.
Following a comfortable victory over Aberdeen at Celtic Park, the club announced two more permanent acquisitions. Dutch youth international midfielder Joel van den Berg was unveiled after putting pen to paper on a four-year contract, which includes the option for an additional season, arriving from PSV Eindhoven.
The club also added Swiss defender Jordan Lotomba on a temporary transfer from Feyenoord that runs through the conclusion of the campaign. Lotomba brings valuable top-flight experience following a productive season in the Netherlands, where he featured regularly in defense.
Manager Martin O'Neill welcomed the influx of fresh talent, highlighting the specific qualities that each newcomer brings to the squad. The technical staff moved swiftly to complete the registrations ahead of the continental deadline, while the domestic transfer market in Scotland is scheduled to close shortly afterward.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
