Summary Grok has predicted Celtic’s 2025/26 starting line-up with Kieran Tierney included in Brendan Rodgers’ side. AI has also forecasted three more signings for the Hoops, including a former £100m-rated star. Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate are expected to continue as vital midfield players due to their versatility and experience.
Celtic will be looking to continue their Scottish Premiership dominance under Brendan Rodgers in 2025/26 after lifting their fourth consecutive title last season.
The Hoops have already acted in the transfer market to bolster their squad, with Kieran Tierney returning from Arsenal on a free transfer.
Tierney spent years at the Emirates after Celtic sold the left-back for £25m, and still 28 years of age, will be looking to add to his multiple Hoops honours at Parkhead.
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1 ByCharlie SmithJun 21, 2025
Should he remain fit, Tierney looks set to start at left-back under Rodgers in Celtic’s Scottish Premiership opener at home to St Mirren. Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted Tierney and the ten other starters for Celtic in 25/26.
AI predicts Celtic’s 2025/26 starting line-up 1 GK: Kasper Schmeichel
Starting in goal, Kasper Schmeichel was a regular in his first Parkhead season and has been backed to keep his place in the side.
Games
49
Clean sheets
24
Goals conceded
47
Under contract until 2026, Grok says Schmeichel ‘remains a reliable presence’, with Viljami Sinisalo a ‘long-term successor’ in Glasgow.
2 RB: Alistair Johnston
Grok has described Alistair Johnston as a ‘consistent performer, offering defensive solidity and attacking support’, and have backed him to continue to star at right-back.
The Canada international had his best season in the attacking third in 24/25, with four goals and 13 assists in all competitions.
3 CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers
Despite being linked with a big-money move away from Celtic Park, Cameron Carter-Vickers is predicted to remain with the Hoops and feature at centre-back.
Labelled as ‘indispensable for his composure and physicality’, Carter-Vickers is under contract until 2029, so there’s no pressure to sell.
4 CB: Veljko Milosavljevic
A new predicted centre-back signing is Veljko Milosavljevic, who has been linked with a move to Glasgow this summer.
Valued at more than £8m by Red Star Belgrade, the teenager’s ‘potential makes him a long-term partner for Carter-Vickers’, with Liam Scales seen as backup.
5 LB: Kieran Tierney
Already signed, sealed and delivered, Kieran Tierney has been backed to start at left-back, which shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Grok has labelled a deal as a ‘major coup’, with Tierney ‘bringing quality and leadership’. It is added that ‘his injury history necessitates a backup, but he’s the clear starter when fit’.
6 CM: Callum McGregor (c)
Hoops legend Callum McGregor is showing no signs of slowing down and will be looking to add to his tally of 24 major honours with the club.
Games
518
Goals
74
Assists
80
Minutes played
41,068
Trophies won
24
‘Excelling as an attacking No. 8’, Grok adds that McGregor’s ‘versatility and leadership are unmatched’ at Parkhead.
7 CM: Reo Hatate
A regular alongside McGregor in recent years has been Reo Hatate. The Japan international has proven to be a bargain at just £1.4m, making more than 140 appearances in green and white.
He has chipped in with 55 goal contributions during that time, and his ’dynamism and ability to evade pressure make him a key midfielder’.
8 CM: Arne Engels
Finishing off the midfield is record signing Arne Engels, who enjoyed a fine first campaign in Glasgow.
Scoring 10 goals and registering 13 assists, Grok says the Belgium international ‘settled well, offering energy and creativity’.
9 RW: Mathias Kvistgaarden
Celtic have pursued versatile forward Mathias Kvistgaarden for some time now, and Grok thinks the Brondby attacker could be a Hoops player in 25/26.
Capable of playing as a winger or striker, Kvistgaarden is predicted to start on the right with Nicolas Kuhn potentially leaving for RB Leipzig. Grok adds James Forrest will be a veteran backup once more.
10 ST: Evan Ferguson
Once rated at £100m, Celtic have also been predicted to win the race to sign Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Irishman’s ‘physicality and goal-scoring instinct make him an upgrade over Adam Idah’, according to Grok, and it would certainly be an eye-catching deal if it goes through.