Scottish Premiership 2026/27: Celtic splash the cash in pursuit of another league title

Scottish Premiership 2026/27: Celtic splash the cash in pursuit of another league title Celtic head into the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership season bidding to continue their dominance over their domestic rivals. The Hoops came close to slipping up last season, but a final-day victory over title rivals Hearts ensured they finished top for the fifth consecutive year. Celtic are the bookmakers’ favourites to hang on to their crown having splashed the cash to bring two exciting forwards to Parkhead. Read on as we assess their chances this term. Scottish Premiership 2026/27 – Celtic fixtures New signings suggest Celtic mean business Celtic fans have been clamouring for the club to show more ambition in the transfer market, and they appear to have been granted their wish this summer. The club has agreed a club-record fee of £11 million plus add-ons to sign Denmark international striker Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt. Hogh scored 53 goals in 102 appearances for Bodo/Glimt and is the type of forward who could have a field day against Scottish Premiership defences. The 25-year-old will join Camilo Duran in a new-look frontline. Duran scored five goals for Azerbaijan club Qarabag in last season’s Champions League group stage. With Hogh also proving his credentials in the competition with Bodo/Glimt, the Hoops now have two quality strikers they can go to war with. Manager Martin O’Neill now has the opportunity to return to the 3-5-2 formation he implemented during his first spell in charge of the club. He utilised the system against Hearts in the title decider last term, but has not used it during pre-season. When asked if Hogh and Duran could link up in attack, O’Neill said it was possible. “That’s a good point,” O’Neill said. “I think that there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be able to do that. I really do like Duran. I think he’s a fine player. He wants to do well. “He has a really good attitude. He can close people down. I’m not saying he’s reached [Daizen] Maeda’s standard yet, but he’s doing fine. And he can get hold of the ball.” The acquisition of two quality forwards is only part of the equation for Celtic, with the squad still needing new recruits across the pitch. They are hopeful of signing Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur despite having a £4m bid rejected. The 22-year-old is out of contract next summer, and Celtic are keen to secure his services. They are also keen on Real Oviedo star Haissem Hassan, who was a standout performer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. The 24-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his contract and is reportedly eager to join the defending Scottish Premiership champions this summer. If Celtic strengthen their squad over the next couple of weeks, they would be well-placed to mount a strong bid to win the title for the sixth consecutive season. Hearts came close to toppling them last term, but were ultimately overhauled in the final game as Celtic’s title-winning know-how eventually shone through. The Edinburgh-based club have lost manager Derek McInnes to Rangers , while several key players have also exited this summer. However, their data-focused recruitment model should ensure that they find more hidden gems in the summer transfer window. Two-time Belgian manager of the year Wouter Vrancken looks to be a shrewd appointment, and Hearts could mount another strong title challenge. Glasgow rivals Rangers are set to embark on a new era under McInnes, and he will be desperate to gain compensation for last season’s disappointment. Rangers have shown ambition in the transfer market, signing goalkeeper Ivor Pandur from Hull City and midfielder Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan Belgrade. Full-back Ross McCrorie has also arrived from Bristol City, and further new signings are expected at Ibrox before the end of the transfer window. Everything points to another thrilling Scottish Premiership title race, and Celtic will hope to be on the right side of the argument at the end of the campaign.