Celtic set to secure £5m signing dubbed the new Matt O’Riley

Despite securing the Scottish Premiership title and lifting the SFA Cup, Celtic face a significant summer as preparations begin for the defence of their domestic crown and a renewed push in Europe.

One of the biggest questions surrounds the managerial position. Martin O’Neill remains in the frame to lead the club into next season, although no final decision has yet been made by the Celtic hierarchy.

Recruitment will also be high on the agenda. While the Hoops once again proved their dominance in Scotland, shortcomings in Europe exposed areas that require strengthening, and the club ultimately needed a final-day victory to secure the league title.

Adding more goals from midfield is expected to be a priority. Benjamin Nygren was the only Celtic midfielder to reach double figures in the Premiership, finishing the campaign with 16 goals. By comparison, Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor managed two league goals each, while Arne Engels contributed three non-penalty goals alongside two penalties.

Celtic’s midfield has lacked the attacking output once provided by Matt O’Riley, who amassed 27 goals and 35 assists in 124 appearances during his time at Parkhead.

The club may now have an opportunity to bring in a player capable of offering a similar threat in the final third. Preston North End midfielder Alfie Devine has emerged as a potential target after an impressive loan spell in the Championship.

O’Neill was reportedly present to watch the youngster in action earlier this year, and interest in the Tottenham Hotspur prospect appears genuine. According to the Lancashire Evening Post, Preston have activated an option to sign Devine permanently for a fee believed to be around £5 million.

The 21-year-old spent the 2025/26 season at Deepdale and made a positive impression despite Preston finishing 14th in the table. However, the report also states that Celtic and Wolves remain interested, with Preston still needing to convince the player to commit to the move.

That leaves the door open for Celtic to make their own approach. Devine has already shown flashes of the creativity and attacking instincts that made O’Riley such a key figure at Parkhead, and a move to Glasgow could provide the platform for him to develop into a similarly influential presence in midfield.