"I think they will": Martin O'Neill drops Celtic transfer hint as ex-Parkhead starlet ends 521 day exile
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has dropped a summer transfer hint following the win against Livingston.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has indicated that the club will look to sign on-loan defender Marcelo Saracchi on a permanent deal in the summer.
The 27-year-old joined the club on a loan deal until the end of the season from Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in September, but has found his game time restricted due to a succession of hamstring injuries.
However, the Uruguayan has been impressive when available, and scoring his first goal for the club in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Livingston, blasting home the opening goal in the 15th minute at Celtic Park, and the 73-year-old boss has urged the club to make his deal a permanent one at the end of the season.
“I think they will [sign Saracchi],” admitted O’Neill. “I think they should do. If you're asking me, I think Tierney's playing brilliantly for us at this moment. Brilliantly. Back to the Kieran Tierney that Arsenal ended up buying. So he's doing really well. He’s back to his very best.
"But Saracchi scored the goal for us. He's a strange wee character. I’ve called him ‘Manuel’ from Fawlty Towers because he hasn’t a clue what I’m saying to him. He hasn't a clue what I'm saying to him. Not a clue! I mean, I could be saying anything to him, and he would still say yes to it. But, I think the club should be looking at something like that.”
Meanwhile, former Celtic academy product Barry Hepburn has announced his return to football 521 days after being released by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. The winger hit the headlines when he opted to move to Germany as a 16-year-old six years ago, but struggled for opportunities at the Allianz Arena and found himself released in September 2024, having made sporadic appearances for the club’s youth academy.
After 18 months without a club, the 21-year-old has found his way back into the game by completing a move to Australian fourth-tier outfit Manningham United.
The Melbourne-based club announced the arrival of the ex-Scotland youth international via social media this week, saying: “Welcome Barry Hepburn to Manningham United FC for season 2026. A talented young Scottish midfielder, Barry is a technical, quick, and skilful player who brings creativity and energy to our squad. Joining us from Bayern Munich Youth, he adds exciting quality and professionalism as we continue building for the season ahead.”
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