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Jack Dawson

Sat 30 May 2026 20:30, UK

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Dermot Desmond is expected to oversee a massive summer rebuild at Celtic over the coming months.

However, many of the clubs’ reported targets are now beginning to be out of reach as the summer transfer window edges closer.

The Hoops had been linked to Kilmarnock’s David Watson in recent months. However, The Bolton News on 30 May has now reported that Bolton are set to sign the 21-year-old.

It is unclear why Celtic have been unable to bring in the youngster, but the lack of a manager ahead of the new campaign is a likely reason.

As a result, Desmond has cost the Hoops yet again, with the club seemingly unprepared for the task ahead.

Celtic set to miss out on David Watson

While the signing of Watson would not be a game-changer by any means, it would have been a solid signing for the future.

The central midfielder had been a regular for Killie this season, and with his contract now set to end, a swoop could have been a bargain.

Yet, recent reports have suggested that Celtic will not take action in the transfer market until a manager is in place.

Now, this is clearly damaging the Hoops’ business, despite Desmond having months to prepare for Martin O’Neill’s potential departure.

This lack of preparation is simply unacceptable, and the chairman is clearly costing the club potential deals this summer.

How close are Celtic to appointing a new manager?

Football Insider has revealed that Celtic have Robbie Keane on their list of targets this summer.

This comes after he confirmed his resignation at Ferencvaros, making him a free agent after months of speculation.

The Bhoys have added the 45-year-old to their shortlist of potential targets, but it is understood that he is not currently one of the leading contenders to take the reins at Parkhead.

The club hierarchy are still planning to persuade Martin O’Neill to remain at the helm, and talks between the board and the manager are set to take place next week.

However, it is unclear how close the Hoops are to actually appointing a new manager, with many other candidates also ahead of Keane if O’Neill does not fancy continuing in his role for the 2026-27 season.