Celtic Faces Midfield Challenges Amid January Transfer Talk for Luke McCowan
Celtic holds its position at the top of the Scottish Premiership, but manager Martin O’Neill’s squad has struggled to find balance in midfield this autumn. With 28 points from 12 league matches, Celtic is four points clear of rivals Rangers, who have a game in hand. However, the team’s performance in Europe has raised concerns following an early exit from Champions League qualifying and a challenging Europa League campaign that exposed vulnerabilities, particularly when facing aggressive opponents or when Callum McGregor is pressed.
This situation creates a dilemma for O’Neill, as McGregor is pivotal to Celtic’s midfield structure. Since joining in the summer, Mika Baur has become a regular starter, but the notable departures of Arne Engels and the loans of Paulo Bernardo and Odin Thiago Holm have left the squad with limited options. Celtic is in need of an additional midfielder who can effectively shield the defense, win battles, and facilitate ball movement without compromising the team’s shape.
Unfortunately, Luke McCowan’s recent performances have not offered any immediate solutions. The 28-year-old has appeared in eight matches across all competitions this season, netting a single goal in the Premiership, yet he has not started a match since September 20, managing only six minutes of play since then.
Despite the clear shortage of midfield resources, O’Neill has seldom turned to McCowan, who finds himself on the periphery of the squad even as he rejoined the matchday line-up. The manager has affirmed that McCowan has a future at Celtic Park.
According to a report by Pete O’Rourke from Football Insider, Celtic might consider allowing McCowan to leave during the January transfer window, but only after securing a replacement. O’Neill appears hesitant to part ways with any players halfway through the season; nevertheless, the club may prioritize a sale over retaining a player who has seen limited playing time. McCowan remains under contract until 2028, with an extension option held by Celtic.
Celtic is open to a January exit for McCowan, but it hinges on finding an adequate replacement first. Retaining McCowan without using him is unlikely to benefit the team, and a loan or transfer could provide him the regular playing time necessary for his career. However, the club must be cautious not to deplete their midfield options before ensuring fresh recruitment.
The recent loss of Engels and the loans of Bernardo and Holm already leave Celtic short-staffed in midfield. McGregor cannot handle every defensive responsibility while balancing the demanding schedule of domestic and European competitions, and the remaining players in the midfield will require additional support. The ideal new signing should bring strength, mobility, and tactical discipline, rather than merely adding another player skilled in possession.
Celtic should prioritize bringing in a new midfielder over McCowan’s potential departure. If the recruitment team can identify and finalize a quality addition promptly, McCowan could be allowed to leave without jeopardizing O’Neill’s options. Conversely, if the signing process slows, retaining McCowan until summer might be the more prudent choice, despite his limited role.
