Liam Scales has completed a remarkable Parkhead transformation, with the Irishman’s market value now eclipsing that of the “irreplaceable” Hoops skipper.
Celtic may not be at their free-flowing best under Martin O’Neill, but they are efficiently grinding out results in one of the most thrilling title races Scotland has seen in decades. While much of the focus remains on the “midfield metronome” Callum McGregor, it is the meteoric rise of Liam Scales that represents the club’s biggest financial masterstroke.
Signed from Shamrock Rovers for a mere £500,000 in 2022, Scales was once considered a surplus requirement, even spending time on loan at Aberdeen. However, the 27-year-old has defied the odds to become a pillar of the Celtic defense.
The Value Shift: Scales vs McGregor
According to the latest Transfermarkt data (February 2026), the towering Irishman has officially overtaken his captain in terms of market valuation a feat that seemed impossible just 24 months ago.
Market Value Comparison (Feb 2026):
- Liam Scales: €5m (£4.2m)
- Callum McGregor: €4.5m (£3.8m)
While McGregor (32) remains the heart and soul of the team—boasting an incredible record of 13 titles—his age has seen a natural decline in market value. In contrast, Scales (27) is in his prime, having featured in 40 games already this season and proving vital in the absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers.
A Pillars of the O’Neill Era
Martin O’Neill’s reliance on his experienced core is clear. McGregor has featured in nearly every minute of the campaign, including an 88-minute stint against Auchinleck Talbot, proving he is still the “lynchpin” of the side.
Callum McGregor:
| Coach | Games | Goals (Assists) |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Brendan Rodgers | 264 | 38 (38) |
| Ange Postecoglou | 94 | 9 (8) |
| Martin O’Neill | 17 | 2 (1) |
However, it is Scales’ “underrated” consistency that has allowed the Hoops to keep pace with Hearts at the summit. From a stunning last-ditch challenge at Tynecastle to a crucial Europa League goal against Sturm Graz, the Irishman has proven Joe Hart’s assessment correct: he is a talent that finally deserves his flowers.
The Verdict: A Transfer Masterclass
At a time when many Celtic signings have struggled to adapt, the £500k bargain capture of Liam Scales stands as a rare and glittering success story. He hasn’t just replaced the injured; he has established himself as a mainstay worth eight times his original fee. If O’Neill is to secure his 14th title, this bargain “pillar” will be just as important as the captain himself.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
