Celtic: Martin O’Neill eyes ‘couple of new faces’ before season starts

However, the Northern Irishman did not want to make any firm promises citing Iheanacho’s example.

Celtic wanted to keep hold of the Nigerian striker at the end of his one-year deal, but instead he signed earlier this week for Bursaspor, who have just been promoted to Turkey’s second tier.

“We thought we had a deal with Iheanacho and we didn’t,” added O’Neill. “That was something we thought we had solved.”

Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson admits adding to their squad is proving “difficult” as they compete with big-spending clubs in England’s top two divisions.

Reports suggested that Barça were able to offer the 29-year-old Iheanacho a higher salary, but O’Neill said: “Like every story there are two sides to every particular transfer.

“I thought we had a deal with him at the time. But apparently we didn’t and so he’s off to pastures new.”

O’Neill also hoped to retain Sarachi after the 28-year-old left-back’s loan spell from Boca Juniors.

The Uruguayan posted on Instagram on Friday that he and his agent “did absolutely everything in our power to return to Glasgow”.

However, O’Neill added: “Saracci has done very well at the football club and there are situations where it looks like it will never happen.”

Celtic open their season at Dundee in the Premiership on 3 August.