Celtic have reported an after-tax loss of £4.8m for the financial year ending 30 June 2026, marking a significant reversal from the £33.9m profit recorded in the previous year.
The Scottish champions attributed the downturn primarily to missing out on the Champions League, with annual revenue falling 22.7% from £143.6m to £111m.
The club’s cash reserves also declined, dropping from £77.3m in 2025 to £66.4m.
Managerial Changes and Financial Challenges
The financial results follow a turbulent 2025-26 campaign in which Celtic went through three managers and experienced significant changes in their leadership.
Brendan Rodgers departed during the season, while his successor, Wilfried Nancy, was dismissed after just eight matches. Martin O’Neill subsequently returned to lead Celtic to a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.
The club also underwent changes at board level, with chairman Peter Lawwell retiring in December after citing abuse and threats.
Interim chairman Brian Wilson acknowledged the disruption caused by the managerial changes but credited O’Neill, his coaching staff and the players for securing two major domestic trophies despite the instability.
Wilson also indicated that Nancy’s mid-season appointment and the subsequent tactical changes had failed to deliver the intended results, prompting the club to make another managerial change.
Celtic Invest £31.6m in Summer Recruitment
Celtic committed £31.6m to new signings during the summer transfer window, bringing in Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Mika Baur, Haissem Hassan, Joel van den Berg and Jordan Lotomba.
The club also arranged loan deals for Landon Emenalo, Shumaira Mheuka, Sam Johnstone and Oliver Sorensen.
However, Wilson did not disclose the revenue generated from player departures, including the transfers of Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate.
Despite the summer investment, Celtic missed out on Champions League qualification again this season following a collapse away to LASK in the qualifying play-off, leaving them competing in the Europa League.
Their domestic campaign has also encountered difficulties. Celtic have exited the League Cup, while consecutive defeats against Rangers have reduced their Premiership lead to two points.
Wilson acknowledged that the past year had brought both sporting success and considerable frustration. He identified improvements in communication and supporter engagement as ongoing priorities for the club.
Celtic are also continuing their search for a permanent chairman following Lawwell’s departure, with Wilson currently overseeing the board on an interim basis.