Celtic is set to learn their Champions League Play-Off opponents on Monday, August 3, as they aim for a spot in the league phase of Europe's premier competition. The stakes are high for the club and its supporters, especially after the financial boost of £40.3 million from their 2024/2025 campaign, which ended dramatically against Bayern Munich when Alphonso Davies scored in stoppage time.

Play-Off Draw and Potential Opponents

The Hoops enter the play-off draw as a seeded team, but this does not guarantee a second leg at Celtic Park, as the order of the ties will depend on the draw. Should Celtic fail to progress, they will not exit European competition entirely, as a loss in the play-off round would see them drop into the Europa League league phase. Currently, potential opponents include Viking Stavanger from Norway, LASK Linz from Austria, NK Celje or Ararat-Armenia, Aarhus or Sabah, and Kairat Almaty or Levski Sofia, with Kairat Almaty needing to complete their third qualifying round tie first.

Squad Registration and Transfer Activity

Celtic faces a crucial deadline to submit their 25-man Champions League squad by 10.59pm on Thursday, August 13. UEFA rules permit clubs to add up to two eligible players by 10.59pm on the day before the first leg, providing some leeway for late transfer activity. New signings Camilo Duran and record acquisition Kasper Hogh are set to be included, but according to Martin O’Neill, Celtic's transfer dealings are not yet complete.

One player of interest is Mika Baur, who missed a recent pre-season friendly for Paderborn due to reported illness, a claim that has been questioned by journalist Mark Hendry. Baur is reportedly eager to move to Glasgow, although Paderborn is holding firm on their valuation despite the risk of losing him for free next year. Additionally, there is speculation regarding the future of current squad members, with Arne Engels, Reo Hatate, and Alistair Johnston all attracting interest during the summer transfer window.

As the deadline approaches, Celtic's focus will shift to finalizing their squad and navigating the complexities of the transfer market.