As the Celtic team prepare to face Aberdeen, there still remains plenty of concern, among many other strong feelings, from Celtic fans about the recent transfer activity. Too little, too late. Too little money spent. Too many loans. Uninspiring players. The list goes on.
There has to be some patience from the support to give these new players a decent chance of impressing. Whatever the views about the board, the transfer window, and the signing process, that's not down to the players. What they do in training and in games is much more in their control.
They will, of course, have to fight for their chance to play. Martin O’Neill has spoken of the extra competition for places, and that can only be helpful. For some players, their route to selection seems simpler; for others like Benjamin Arthur, there’s maybe more of a challenge. Arthur looks up for it and is very confident in his Celtic media interview.
Benjamin Arthur has plenty to offer Celtic
Signed on loan from Brentford, the player has raised a few eyebrows. Fans wanted to see a centre back come in, but were looking more for experience and strength. Initially, Arthur looked to be a raw youngster who hadn't been able to break through fully at the Bees. His backstory is much more encouraging. It's worth Celtic fans looking and listening a bit deeper.
Arthur has featured on Brentford's first-team bench at times, but has made just a single appearance. That came in a Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Aston Villa in September. A debut that earned him plenty of praise for his skill and composure.
The biggest compliment I can pay to Benjamin Arthur of Brentford, is that I’d of never guessed yesterday was his first senior appearance in competitive football.
— HC (@HCfootball01) September 17, 2025
He played so assured, like he’s been part of that Brentford team for years, didn’t look any nerves at all, played as… pic.twitter.com/RUFrCxWpcI
He hit the headlines at Brentford with a U21 Player of the Season award last year. Arthur also has 5 caps for England across the U18, U19, and U20 levels. Brentford rewarded him with a first-team squad place and tied him down on a long-term contract through to 2031. This lad looks like one they want to keep.
Arthur set to take his chance at Celtic
Arthur has spoken of modelling himself on Virgil Van Dijk. Lofty ambitions, but no harm in learning from a top player and past Celtic star. That and his profile write-up at Brentford FC suggest Arthur could be an exciting addition to the Celtic squad. He needs experience; he talks himself of needing to add aggression to his game, so there's plenty still to learn.
He and Brentford will see this loan as a great development opportunity. You’d expect they would have sought reassurance after the largely no-show first team record of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey of Manchester City during his loan in the first half of the season. Arthur needs to play and will want to have decent game time in Glasgow. It could be exciting if he gets the chance to show his ability.