Martin O'Neill has signed five new players for Celtic, but the manager has made it clear that he's not planning to stick around for the long haul.
In a recent interview with BBC Radio 4, O'Neill, 74, admitted that he's likely to leave the club at the end of the season, regardless of the team's performance.
"I am obviously not getting any younger," O'Neill said. "This is not a long-term project for me. I am not really Celtic's future for the next number of years. That's absolutely certain."
The Celtic manager is focusing on signing players who he believes his successor will consider "pretty decent," rather than investing in long-term solutions.
Celtic have already strengthened their forward line with the signings of Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, although Daizen Maeda has left the club. Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston are also reportedly considering exits, with interest from West Ham and Everton respectively.
O'Neill hopes to add more quality to the squad, but it's clear that he's not thinking about his own legacy at the club.
"It will be exceptionally difficult to defend the title," O'Neill said. "Other top flight sides have got stronger as they have strengthened their squads."
Celtic's new signings will be on short-term deals, with some potentially joining on loan for the season. The club is looking to offload players who are no longer needed, with Maik Nawrocki and Luis Palma being sold earlier this year.
O'Neill's comments have sparked speculation about his future at the club, but the manager remains focused on the present.
"We'll stay until we stabilise things again and maybe try to improve the team," O'Neill said. "Then there will be a new Celtic boss looking to the future."
Celtic's new season is set to kick off on Monday night, with the club looking to build on their previous success.
As the transfer window continues to be a busy one for Celtic, fans will be eagerly waiting to see who will be the next player to join the squad.
The club's valuation of Arne Engels is reportedly high, with West Ham's bid not coming close to meeting their demands.
Source: Yahoo Sports