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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 2 March 2026 11:59, UK

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Celtic will target the addition of at least one new centre-back ahead this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Celtic hierarchy feel that the squad has been left weak in that area after some key injuries this season, and they are already planning to address that during the summer transfer window.

The Bhoys are still searching for their next permanent manager, leaving a major element of uncertainty to their plans for next season, but sources have indicated that defensive additions will be prioritised regardless of who comes into the dugout.

Martin O’Neill’s side are pushing to secure a Champions League place for next term, which could give them the power to spend a little more freely.

Cameron Carter-Vickers injury leaves Celtic badly short

Cameron Carter-Vickers has been an important figure at the centre of the Bhoys’ backline in recent seasons, and his prolonged injury absence has left them facing plenty of issues this term.

The 28-year-old hasn’t featured since October after he ruptured his Achilles tendon during the Europa League victory over Sturm Graz at Celtic Park.

He is expected to remain sidelined until the end of the season, and his absence from the group has seen O’Neill’s options stretched thin at the heart of the backline.

Brentford loanee Benjamin Arthur has been trusted with just 16 minutes of football since his arrival in January, and Auston Trusty’s suspension left O’Neill to turn to the inexperienced Dane Murray for last weekend’s Old Firm Derby.

Celtic are trying to maintain a title challenge with just four senior centre-backs at the moment, two of whom are still finding their way in the game, and as a result, it has already been earmarked as an area for improvement ahead of next term.

• Read More: ‘I’m afraid’ – Keith Wyness rips into Celtic and Rangers after crushing Scottish blow

Bhoys partially to blame for Champions League blow

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that “years of poor European performances” from Celtic and Rangers have been responsible for the Scottish Premiership losing a Champions League place for next term.

Only one side will now have the chance to earn a spot in Europe’s premier club competition for 2026-27, while the team that finishes fourth will now fail to secure continental football altogether.

Wyness feels that the changes will cause significant damage to Scottish football if they are not reversed as quickly as possible.

The only way of doing that is to improve performances in domestic competitions, with the responsibility to do that next term likely to fall on Hearts, Celtic and Rangers.