Celtic latest: Dundee United clash, Engels transfer, Johnston injury and LASK squad developments

Celtic approach Saturday’s League Cup encounter with Dundee United at a time when events away from the pitch are proving just as significant as what happens on it. Martin O’Neill’s team are preparing for another domestic cup assignment while the club continues to manage Arne Engels’ expected departure to West Ham, Alistair Johnston’s injury and a number of unresolved transfer situations.

One of the most notable developments is Celtic’s confirmation of their 25-man Champions League squad for the upcoming play-off against LASK. Summer arrivals Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan have both been included, while the injured Johnston misses out. Engels, despite being close to a move to West Ham, has also been named.

Baur could make his Celtic debut

Mika Baur is likely to attract plenty of attention against Dundee United as the German midfielder prepares for a possible first appearance for Celtic.

The 21-year-old joined from Paderborn in a deal understood to be worth around £4.5 million initially, with a further £2.3m potentially available through add-ons. He has agreed a four-year contract with Celtic, with an option for an additional season.

Baur played a key part in Paderborn’s promotion campaign and is capable of operating in several midfield roles, as well as contributing from wider positions.

His arrival has come at an important moment for Celtic, particularly with Engels nearing the exit door and uncertainty surrounding other midfielders. His performance against Dundee United could offer supporters an early indication of what he can bring to O’Neill’s side.

Donovan faces an opportunity at right-back

Johnston’s injury has left Celtic with another selection headache.

The Canada international is expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines, potentially keeping him out until September. His absence creates an opportunity for Colby Donovan to step into the first-team picture.

The youngster is eligible under UEFA’s List B regulations and could provide right-back cover alongside Anthony Ralston.

Johnston’s injury has also effectively put previous transfer speculation surrounding Everton on hold. O’Neill has suggested that the situation is no longer a priority, with the focus now firmly on the defender’s recovery and Celtic’s upcoming fixtures.

Engels edging closer to West Ham departure

Arne Engels remains at the centre of Celtic’s transfer activity.

The Belgian midfielder is reportedly nearing a move to West Ham after Celtic agreed to a proposal worth approximately £22 million, with the possibility of additional clauses increasing the overall value. Engels has reportedly travelled to London to complete his medical.

O’Neill has made no secret of his preference for Engels to remain at Celtic until after the Champions League play-off against LASK. However, the size of the offer and the player’s desire to test himself in the Premier League have made a departure increasingly difficult to prevent.

Despite the imminent transfer, Engels has surprisingly been included in Celtic’s Champions League squad. That could prove useful if the move is not completed before the European deadline, although the expectation remains that he will leave Parkhead.

Celtic submit their 25-man Champions League squad

Celtic have now confirmed the squad they intend to use for the two-legged LASK play-off.

The list contains several of the club’s summer recruits, including Kasper Høgh, Camilo Durán, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan.

Johnston is the most notable omission because of his injury, while Engels has been included despite his impending move.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also part of the squad but will miss the opening leg through suspension.

Importantly, Celtic still have the opportunity to make two alterations before the final deadline ahead of the second meeting. That could become particularly useful if the club completes further transfers in the coming days.

Emenalo deal remains alive

Chelsea youngster Landon Emenalo remains a potential option for Celtic at left-back.

The Hoops initially failed to complete a deal in time for UEFA’s first registration deadline, meaning the defender could not immediately be included. However, Celtic still have an opportunity to make changes before the first leg against LASK.

Should the club reach an agreement with Chelsea, Emenalo could therefore still be registered for the European tie.

O’Neill is believed to be keen on the 18-year-old, who could provide additional depth and potentially serve as competition for Kieran Tierney.

Gineitis could become an important midfield target

Another name linked with Celtic is Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis.

The Lithuanian is reportedly being considered as the club looks at ways of strengthening midfield, particularly with Engels expected to depart. Celtic are not alone in showing interest, however, with competition for the player’s signature believed to exist.

Baur’s arrival has already strengthened the midfield, but another addition could become necessary if Engels leaves and other departures follow.

Gineitis would offer O’Neill another midfield option and could become particularly valuable during a campaign featuring domestic and European commitments.

Balikwisha’s Celtic future remains uncertain

Michel-Ange Balikwisha is also facing an uncertain future in Glasgow.

The winger has found it difficult to establish himself since moving from Antwerp and faces even greater competition following Celtic’s summer recruitment.

Several clubs, including Monza, Basel and Elversberg, are reportedly keeping an eye on his situation.

Despite the speculation, Balikwisha has been named in Celtic’s Champions League squad for the LASK tie. His inclusion suggests that a departure is not necessarily imminent, although Celtic must decide whether retaining him makes sense given the number of attacking options available.

Tóth emerges as a goalkeeper option

Celtic are also believed to be examining the goalkeeper market, with Balázs Tóth reportedly among the names being considered.

Goalkeeping remains another area where O’Neill wants greater strength and competition. With Champions League qualification potentially delivering a major financial boost, Celtic will want sufficient depth throughout the squad.

Bringing in Tóth would give the manager another option between the posts and could increase competition for the starting position.

Hassan adds another attacking dimension

Haissem Hassan is another important addition to O’Neill’s rebuilding project.

The winger arrived from Real Oviedo and has already been included in Celtic’s European squad. His pace and ability to operate naturally from the flanks provide the manager with another attacking weapon.

Alongside Høgh, Durán and Baur, Hassan represents one of the major additions made by Celtic during the current transfer window.

The challenge now is to integrate the newcomers quickly while simultaneously dealing with injuries and possible departures.

LASK provides the bigger test

All of this is happening with Celtic’s Champions League play-off against LASK rapidly approaching.

The Austrian side are entering the tie in excellent domestic form, having recorded seven consecutive victories, including a convincing 4-1 win against SV Ried.

LASK boss Dietmar Kühbauer has acknowledged Celtic’s quality but believes his team will need an exceptional performance to progress.

For Celtic, reaching the Champions League league phase could have a major influence on both the remainder of the transfer window and the season as a whole.

What to watch against Dundee United

Saturday’s League Cup meeting should provide another opportunity to assess O’Neill’s plans.

The main talking points include:

• Baur’s potential debut: Supporters will be keen to see how quickly the new midfielder settles into the team.
• Donovan’s opportunity: With Johnston unavailable, the youngster could receive an important chance.
• The midfield: O’Neill must find a solution to the impending loss of Engels.
• The attack: Celtic’s new arrivals will continue developing their understanding.
• Balikwisha: His involvement could offer clues about his future.
• Rotation: The manager must balance the League Cup with the crucial LASK tie.
• New signings: The match provides valuable minutes for Celtic’s summer recruits.

The bigger picture for Celtic

Celtic’s current situation contains both positives and concerns. The club have added several important players this summer, but Engels’ impending transfer and Johnston’s injury have arrived at an inconvenient time with the Champions League play-off approaching.

Baur could become particularly important in midfield, while the continued pursuit of players such as Gineitis and Emenalo indicates that O’Neill does not regard the squad rebuild as complete.

The Champions League squad also shows that Celtic are attempting to preserve as many options as possible. Engels remains registered, Emenalo can potentially still be added, and Celtic have room for two further changes before the European deadline.

Before attention turns fully to LASK, however, Dundee United provides O’Neill with a useful opportunity to assess his evolving squad.

The League Cup clash could reveal how quickly Celtic’s new-look team is beginning to take shape — and whether the manager has enough depth to cope with the major challenges now facing the club.