Celtic Manager’s Stance On 24-Year-Old Player: Should They Free Up Room For Luke Chambers?

Celtic Manager’s Stance On 24-Year-Old Player: Should They Free Up Room For Luke Chambers? Celtic have no plans to sell the 24-year-old Sebastian Tounekti in January, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider . The report says Martin O’Neill wants to keep his group intact for a season combining the Scottish Premiership with Europa League football, even after the winger struggled at Ibrox. He started the 3-0 Old Firm defeat by Rangers but lasted only 45 minutes before O’Neill replaced him. Football Insider says O’Neill believes the Tunisia international can recover his confidence and produce the level expected of him again over time. His campaign, though, has offered little encouragement in league play. His goal contributions have arrived in the Premier Sports Cup, while pressure has increased after several below-par displays. His Celtic contract reportedly runs until at least 2030, leaving the club with control over his future. The same report says Celtic are chasing a January loan for Liverpool left-back Luke Chambers, with several Championship clubs competing for the 22-year-old. The move would address a squad gap after Celtic failed to add the left-back during the summer window. Celtic need to rethink the 24-year-old winger decision For me, this is where O’Neill’s patience looks too generous. Squad depth matters, with league and Europa League demands, but keeping an out-of-form attacker because fixtures are piling up misses the issue. Tounekti has failed to register a Scottish Premiership goal contribution this season, and that matters when Celtic need more threat from wide areas. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 02: Sebastian Tounekti of Celtic is seen during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park on September 02, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) His half-time removal against Rangers is more significant than a substitution. In a match built on aggression, pressure and quick reactions, he struggled to impose himself, and Football Insider has highlighted just three goal involvements across his last 27 competitive games. That run gives the board a reason to question whether patience is producing anything useful. Should Celtic free up room for Luke Chambers? Celtic need to consider the squad as a whole, not one player’s potential comeback. A January exit, whether permanent or temporary, could save wages and create room for a defensive addition. Chambers offers a target, and Football Insider reports that Championship clubs want him too. Celtic should not let another club solve the left-back problem while they protect an underproductive winger. With a contract running to 2030, Tounekti’s value can suffer if he spends months outside the manager’s plans. Celtic need an efficient balance between loyalty and output, because every wasted squad place becomes harder to justify as the season grows more demanding.