Full Breakdown
Lambert Says Celtic’s Squad “Nowhere Near Good Enough” Ahead of New Season
7/19/2026, 12:54:34 PM
Celtic’s Current Squad Concerns
Manager Paul Lambert warned that Celtic’s roster is “nowhere near good enough” to repeat last season’s league triumph. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound, he emphasized that the squad “was very, very limited on what it was last season” and that “the problems were there last season, so they’re not going to change again this season.” The manager’s comments came after a 1-1 preseason friendly against Middlesbrough, in which new signing Camilo Duran scored Celtic’s equaliser.
Transfer Activity Overview
Celtic’s only confirmed summer arrival is striker Camilo Duran. Midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain secured a new contract after a short-term deal, but several expected returns failed to materialise. Forward Kelechi Iheanacho left for Bursaspor as a free agent, and former loanee Marcelo Saracchi announced on social media that his attempt to re-join the club was unsuccessful. Additionally, Germany-born centre-half Maik Nawrocki, a Poland U-21 international and provisional World Cup squad member, was sold to Lens.
Official Statements & Responses
Lambert’s assessment frames the club’s limited recruitment as a barrier to defending the league title. He acknowledged that Celtic “will compete,” yet expressed doubt they can “go and win it [the league] again at this moment in time.” The manager indicated that without further signings, the squad “won’t get away with” the shortcomings that plagued the previous campaign.
Verbatim Quotes
- “nowhere near good enough” — Paul Lambert, Celtic manager
- “The squad's not strong enough,” — Paul Lambert, BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound
- “They'll compete, but I don't think they're strong enough to go and win it [the league] again at this moment in time.” — Paul Lambert
- “The problems were there last season, so they're not going to change again this season.” — Paul Lambert
- “did absolutely everything within our power to make a return to Glasgow happen” — Marcelo Saracchi, former loanee
Implications for the Title Race
Lambert’s candid appraisal suggests Celtic may struggle to replicate their championship form without additional reinforcements. The departure of key players and the absence of new signings beyond Duran could force the club to rely heavily on existing personnel, raising questions about depth, tactical flexibility, and the ability to sustain a title challenge throughout the season.
