Celtic have officially confirmed their retained list ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, and it marks the beginning of what could be one of the most significant summer rebuilds in recent memory.
With Martin O’Neill now preparing for his first full season in charge after guiding the Hoops through a turbulent but ultimately successful period, the club have wasted little time in reshaping the squad. Several fringe players have already departed, while a number of first-team stars continue to face uncertain futures as Celtic look to strengthen for another domestic title challenge and a return to European competition.
The release of six players may not come as a surprise to many supporters, but it sends a clear message: no position is guaranteed and difficult decisions are being made behind the scenes.
Celtic Begin Summer Overhaul
Every summer brings change, but this year’s retained list feels different.
For months, supporters have debated which players should stay and which should move on. Questions have been raised about squad depth, recruitment, and whether Celtic possess enough quality to compete at the highest level.
The club’s latest announcement has provided the first answers.
Several players who struggled for regular game time have now officially departed, while others have returned to their parent clubs following loan spells. The move frees up valuable wage space and opens the door for new arrivals as O’Neill and the recruitment team begin constructing a squad capable of delivering success on multiple fronts.
While many of the departures were expected, the retained list has inevitably sparked fresh debate among supporters.
Some fans believe Celtic have acted decisively.
Others feel there could be more exits to come.
And that is where things become very interesting.
Why The Retained List Could Be Only The Beginning
Historically, Celtic’s retained list rarely tells the full story.
A player being retained does not necessarily mean he will remain at the club beyond the summer transfer window.
Several members of the current squad continue to attract interest from clubs across Europe, while others face uncertainty due to contract situations or limited opportunities during the previous campaign.
As a result, Celtic supporters are bracing themselves for further movement in the coming weeks.
The club’s hierarchy know that standing still is not an option.
Rangers are expected to strengthen.
European rivals continue to improve.
And the demands of a long season require a squad with both quality and depth.
That reality could force Celtic into making further difficult decisions before the transfer window closes.
The Big Concern: Could Celtic Lose Key Stars?
Perhaps the biggest talking point surrounding the retained list is not who has left.
It’s who could still leave.
Recent reports have linked several Celtic players with moves away from Glasgow, while others are entering crucial stages of their contracts.
One name repeatedly mentioned is Reo Hatate, with reports suggesting the midfielder has informed the club of his desire to explore opportunities elsewhere this summer. If a suitable offer arrives, Celtic could face a major decision regarding one of their most influential performers.
Supporters will undoubtedly be hoping the club can retain its core group of players, but modern football often makes that easier said than done.
The coming weeks may prove decisive.
Potential Celtic Departures This Summer
While the following players remain under contract or have not officially left the club, they are among the names most frequently discussed regarding possible summer exits as of June 2026.
| Player | Position | Why They Could Leave |
|---|---|---|
| Reo Hatate | Midfielder | Reports suggest he wants a new challenge away from Celtic. |
| Kelechi Iheanacho | Forward | Future uncertain following limited impact and possible squad reshaping. |
| Yang Hyun-jun | Winger | Could attract interest if Celtic receive suitable offers. |
| Paulo Bernardo | Midfielder | Long-term role remains unclear amid expected midfield recruitment. |
| Stephen Welsh | Defender | Needs regular football and may seek a permanent move. |
| Odin Thiago Holm | Midfielder | Has spent time away from the first team and could be sold. |
| Ross Doohan | Goalkeeper | Competition for places may force a decision. |
| Sebastian Tounekti | Forward | Future may depend on summer recruitment plans. |
The above names are based on current transfer speculation, squad circumstances and contract situations. No official departure has been confirmed for these players at the time of writing.
Martin O’Neill Faces Huge Summer
The retained list has done more than confirm departures.
It has increased expectations.
Supporters now expect arrivals.
The pressure is on Celtic’s recruitment team to deliver quality additions capable of improving the first team immediately.
The challenge facing O’Neill is enormous.
Maintaining domestic dominance is difficult enough.
Competing in Europe requires another level entirely.
The manager knows that every transfer decision made this summer could have major consequences for the season ahead.
Get recruitment right and Celtic could be stronger than ever.
Get it wrong and difficult questions will quickly emerge.
Fans Already Divided
As expected, reaction to the retained list has been mixed.
Some supporters believe the club has made the correct decisions and acted early to begin the rebuild.
Others believe several additional players should already have been moved on.
The debate is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
If anything, the retained list has only intensified speculation surrounding the future of multiple first-team players.
And with the transfer window only beginning to gather momentum, supporters should prepare for a summer full of twists, surprises and potentially some emotional goodbyes.
The Verdict
The release of six players represents the first major step in Celtic’s summer rebuild, but few believe it will be the last.
The retained list has provided clarity on several departures while simultaneously creating new questions surrounding the futures of a number of established stars.
With Martin O’Neill preparing for a crucial campaign and transfer activity expected to accelerate in the coming weeks, Celtic’s squad could look very different by the time the new season kicks off.
One thing is certain.
The summer has only just begun.
And the biggest Celtic headlines may still be yet to come.
