Shaun Maloney Insists Celtic Want Quality Over Quantity As January Transfer Deadline Looms

Celtic approach the final days of the January transfer window hopeful of completing further business before Monday’s 11 pm deadline, with interim assistant manager Shaun Maloney outlining the club’s recruitment strategy and stressing that any additions must be the right fit rather than last-minute gambles.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Premiership meeting with Falkirk, Maloney acknowledged that Celtic are actively trying to reshape how they recruit players. “We are definitely trying to change the recruitment process,” he said. “I have been really happy with the two guys that have came in. Julián [Araujo] and Tomas [Čvančara] are types of players and profiles that we haven’t had.”

Those signings are viewed as examples of the specific qualities Celtic want to target going forward, particularly as the club looks to balance immediate needs with longer-term planning.

Maloney confirmed that discussions between the coaching staff and the board are ongoing on a regular basis, with interim manager Martin O’Neill closely involved in identifying potential additions. “There were a few names mentioned with Martin. We all speak with the board on a regular basis. We feel that it’s close, but at this stage of the window, it has to be. Until they are actually here, it’s tough as you have to respect the clubs you are dealing with.”

With negotiations often becoming more complex in the closing days of the window, Celtic are mindful of maintaining professional relationships while trying to move talks forward quickly.

While time is running out, Maloney made it clear that Celtic are not interested in making signings simply to boost squad numbers. Instead, the focus remains on quality and suitability. “We want really specific types of players. If we can bring in another two or three, it would be a massive help. But they have to be the right ones. There is no need to bring in numbers; it has to be the right type of player for what we need.”

That approach reflects a desire to ensure any new arrivals can contribute immediately while also fitting into the club’s broader footballing identity. Such are clubs’ specific needs in the transfer market these days, maybe some players will even be taking a self-discovery test to see where they fit! It’s certainly been a season of learning for many involved, and no longer involved in Wilfried Nancy’s case at Celtic.

Maloney was also keen to highlight the role of the board in the process, pushing back against any suggestion that a lack of progress would be down to unwillingness from above. “In fairness to the board, they are ready to get the deals done, and hopefully that happens. It won’t be through a lack of effort. It’s not always on the board. We have to speak to players and get them to have a desire to come and work with us.” He added that recruitment is a collective effort involving staff, board members and players themselves, and that Celtic remain hopeful of a positive outcome before the deadline.

Celtic’s search for reinforcements comes at a time when results on the pitch have provided encouragement, particularly in Europe. On Thursday night, the Hoops secured a 4–2 victory over FC Utrecht at Celtic Park to progress into the Europa League knockout play-off round. Goals from Benjamin Nygren, an own goal from Nick Viergever, an Arne Engels penalty, and a late strike from Auston Trusty sealed a result that underlined Celtic’s attacking threat, even if the Dutch side managed to test them in the second half. The performance was widely viewed as a confidence boost ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.

That win has also set up a high-profile last 32 tie against Stuttgart, with the first match taking place at Celtic Park on February 19th before a return fixture in Germany the following week. The draw presents a significant challenge but also an opportunity for Celtic to measure themselves against strong European opposition, increasing the importance of having sufficient depth and quality within the squad.

With domestic duties continuing against Falkirk and European football looming large, the next few days could prove pivotal. Maloney’s comments suggest a calm but determined approach, balancing urgency with restraint. As the clock ticks down towards Monday night’s deadline, Celtic will hope that their targeted strategy pays off and that the final pieces can be added to strengthen the squad for the challenges ahead.