Celtic surely regret summer exit, he was the perfect Callum McGregor replacement

Celtic's transfer business over the summer appears to be coming back to bite those still at Parkhead in 2026-27.

Other than Camilo Duran, who has been a sensation since arriving, the Hoops' other signings have been pretty big letdowns so far.

Kasper Hogh has not scored in eight appearances, Mika Baur is simply not strong enough, and Shim Mheuka has not adapted to men's football.

The summer at Parkhead was far more on outgoings, with Kelechi Iheanacho joined by Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels, to name just a few.

Of course, some of these players had expensive price tags attached to them, but the team's form has suffered as a result of the departures.

Martin O'Neill's side may still be sitting atop the Scottish Premiership table, but it won't be long until their Old Firm rivals Rangers are knocking on the door.

Reo Hatate is proving everyone wrong at Burnley

One of the more disappointing parts of the 2026-27 campaign so far has been watching Callum McGregor and his drastic drop in levels.

At 33 years of age, the captain looks to be struggling with the workload in some games, but the Hoops don't really have a progression plan for life after him.

Reo Hatate, who Celtic sold to Burnley for just £6.5million, might have been the most sensible solution, but any chance of that is now gone.

And anyone who doubted the 11-cap Japanese international is being proven drastically wrong, as he impresses in the early stages of the Championship campaign.

Most recently, he played the full 90 minutes of Burnley's 4-0 win over Watford on Saturday, 10 October, notching a goal and an assist.

With 52 touches, he created one chance, made eight line-breaking passes, was not dispossessed once, and won three fouls to relieve pressure [FotMob].

What's Celtic plan after Callum McGregor?

It would appear that Celtic are ready to hit the panic button when it comes to trying to find someone to cover for McGregor.

Oliver Sorensen has been signed on loan for the season, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cannot be relied upon in the long-term, especially not in McGregor's position.

Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, has already slammed the Hoops for their lack of succession plan for life after the veteran captain.

Nobody has put more passion and energy into the club over the last 12 years, but it's time to think about the future. Sadly, the future is at Burnley now.