Celtic’s summer transfer window saw the club wave goodbye to several key players as the club looked ahead to a new era under veteran boss Martin O’Neill.
Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Arne Engels all left in big-money moves, while fringe men Stephen Welsh, Paulo Bernardo and Maik Nawrocki all departed for pastures new as Celtic’s new-look squad took shape ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
It started perfectly, with new signings Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh helping the side record six successive league wins. However, a damaging loss to LASK in the Champions League playoffs, followed by back-to-back defeats against Rangers, has turned the mood sour at Parkhead in recent weeks. But what has happened to those that have left?
Here we look at the 15 Celtic players who moved away from the club before the start of the new campaign, and assess how they have done for their new teams in the opening months of the season. Who has found success away from Parkhead - and who regrets their decision to leave?
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1. Paulo Bernardo - Gornik Zabrze (loan)
The popular midfielder signed for the Polish top flight side on loan after dropping down the pecking order under O'Neill, and has performed largely okay for his new club. He's yet to score or assist, but he's featured regularly at Gornick Zabrze. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. Shin Yamada - Leuven (loan)
A £1million signing from Kawasaki Frontale last season, the Japanese striker isn't part of O'Neill's plans at Celtic. Joined Leuven on loan in the summer, but hasn’t scored in six first-team appearances. | PA Photo: PA
3. Johnny Kenny - Preston North End (loan)
Kenny had a successful loan at Bolton Wanderers last season, and the Trotters hoped to bring him back on a similar deal in the summer. However, they were beaten to his signature by Preston. Despite winning just once this season, Kenny has impressed at Deepdale and scored his first goals for the club in the 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers prior to the international break. | World Copyright © 2026 CameraSport. All rights reserved. 43 Linden Ave. Countesthorpe. Leicester. England. LE8 5PG - Tel: +44 ( Photo: World Copyright © 2026 CameraSport. All rights reserved. 43 Linden Ave. Countesthorpe. Leicester. England. LE8 5PG - Tel: +44 (
4. Kelechi Iheanacho - Bursaspor
Played a major role in Celtic's title win last season, scoring some crucial late goals, but opted to leave when his contract expired in the summer. Signed for Bursaspor on a free transfer and has been in sensational form in the Turkish second tier, scoring 11 goals and assisting two more in just eight appearances. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images