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Fullname: Benjamin Kristian Arthur
aka: Benjamin Arthur, Ben Arthur
Born: 9 October 2005
Birthplace: Warwickshire, England
Signed: 2 February 2026 -31 May 2026 (loan to end of season from Brentford)
Left: 23 May 2026 (return to Brentford)
Position: Defender, Central Defender
Debut: Celtic 1-2 Hibernian, SP, 22 Feb 2026
Squad No.: 04
Internationals: […]
International Caps: [TBC at end of career]
International Goals: [TBC at end of career]
Biog
Ben Arthur arrived at Celtic as a largely unknown quantity, overshadowed both by fellow loanees joining in the same window and the fractious atmosphere between the club’s board and supporters. He possibly should have been a bit more reticent with his commons as he stated that a little too over-confidently:
“People like to say I play like Virgil [van Dijk]. We have the same style. I think he’s an amazing defender and I definitely look up to him the most.”
The first half of the season had been a shambles for Celtic, with three different managers leaving the club in the hands of interim boss Martin O’Neill and clinging on in the league race. Hearts led by 6 pts, while Celtic were battling a resurgent Rangers for second place—both sides level on points on the day of his signing. Off the field, turmoil raged between the board and the fans, the squad was weakened by injuries to key players, and new arrivals were desperately needed to revitalise the team.
Arthur made his debut in a 2-1 defeat to Hibs, a damaging result in a tight title race. He came on after Trusty’s red card for what looked like a minor altercation, and despite Celtic dominating, playing with ten men was always going to be tough. His debut was overshadowed, but at least it opened the door for a potential run of starts with Trusty suspended for three games.
When Dane Murray was injured in the pre-match warm-up against Aberdeen (2-1, Mar 2026), Arthur got his first start—and impressed, even surprising himself:
“It shows you how quickly football can change. You have to be mentally prepared for everything. Hopefully the performance showed that as well.”
Viljami Sinisalo also praised Arthur after the Aberdeen match:
“Full credit to him, he’s done unbelievable.”
Yet Celtic were still seen as outsiders in a tough environment. Interim manager Martin O’Neill opted for the experience of Trusty and Scales for the rest of the season, leaving Arthur with limited first-team opportunities.
In fairness, as Celtic defied the odds to win a league and cup double, the central defensive partnership worked—though the defence often remained a weakness. There was little room for experimentation, so Arthur was largely phased out.
Still, his contributions were valuable. He featured in notable matches, including a Glasgow derby Scottish Cup win on penalties, and gained experience across a variety of games (victories, defeats, and cup ties) that will stand him in good stead for the future. In a league title race where ever point counted, his contribution was respected, and he had proven he had some great potential talent that in time could push him far in the game.
We wished him all the best.
Post-Celtic
[…]
Quotes
“For him to say these kind words about me has been a real boost to my confidence.”
Benjamin Arthur on his introduction at Celtic, working with Martin O’Neill and the ‘crazy experience’ of his first few weeks of games (Mar 2026)
“I knew before I came here there was going to be a lot of pressure and a high demand on the team as a whole,” he said. “But pressure makes diamonds and at that point you’ve just got to keep pushing for success. And obviously the boys have done really well over the last few weeks. “Since I’ve been here I’ve learned a lot. The boys are doing everything they can on the pitch. If we keep going the right way, keep doing the right things then we’ll be successful.”
Ben Arthur (Mar 2026)
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES (subs) |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 2025-26 | 4 | 2 | – | 6 | |
| Goals | 0 | 0 | – | 0 |
Honours with Celtic
(Honours are marked below in which the player has played in at least one of the matches in the campaign.)
Scottish League
Scottish Cup
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Notes
Articles
Benefit for Brentford in extending Benjamin Arthur’s Celtic loan deal]
https://thecelticstar.com/benefit-for-brentford-in-extending-benjamin-arthurs-celtic-loan-deal/
By justanordinarybhoy 17 March, 2026
Benjamin Arthur has slowly bided his time in playing a part in Martin O’Neill’s first team plans, but has made his mark in a tough run of fixtures, and now looks all that more better for the experience.
Granted, the on-loan Brentford man was only presented with the opportunity due to the suspension of Auston Trusty and injury to Dane Murray, but he’s stepped up to the task all the same, and impressed Martin O’Neill and Celtic supporters alike.
Big Ben looked calm and assured in his full debut in a tricky game at Pittodrie against Aberdeen, and although a little shaky at times in the pressure cooker cup tie at Ibrox, he more than held his own.
The highly rated 20 year old followed that up with an impressive display against Motherwell at the weekend, looking very much the rock that we require in the centre of our defence against a slick Motherwell side.
Benjamin is strong, athletic, and great and the ball, something that Martin O’Neill likes in his centre backs, and he looked very commanding at the weekend, a quality that has been lacking in the centre of our defence for quite some time.
He’s a player who has a great future in the game, although the Virgil Van Djik comparisons are away over the top at this stage and unfair on a young player just starting out in the game. However watching him on the park against Motherwell at the weekend it was very easy to see why those sort of comparisons are being made.
Brentford might see some merit in extending Arthur’s loan spell North of the Border especially if there’s going to European football especially if it’s Champions League football that Celtic can offer. He’d return to Brentford as an experienced player better prepared to play in the Premier League.
That would seem like an everyone’s a winner scenario for Benjamin Arthur, Brentford and also Celtic.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
‘People say I play like Virgil’ – Arthur hopes to emulate Celtic hero
Benjamin ArthurImage source, SNS
Published
4 February 2026
Centre-back Benjamin Arthur is hoping to emulate former Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk during his loan spell in Glasgow.
The 20-year-old joins Martin O’Neill’s side on a short-term basis from Premier League outfit Brentford where he’s only made three appearances.
And the defender is hoping he can be as successful as hero Van Dijk who spent two years at Parkhead.
“People like to say I play like Virgil,” Arthur admitted.
“We have the same style. I think he’s an amazing defender and I definitely look up to him the most.”
Arthur will have competition for a place in the starting line-up from regular centre-back pairing Liam Scales and Auston Trusty, as well as youngster Dane Murray who started against Falkirk at the weekend in light Trusty’s suspension.
But the youngster is confident he can make an impact and help Celtic in the title fight.
“I think it’s the right move for my development,” he added.
“I’m really excited to be here, I think I can grow and learn a lot of things.
“I’ve heard a lot of things and I know a few people here, from what they’ve said it’s very competitive, there’s an aggressive side.
“Pressure has always been part of the game but it doesn’t really affect me at all. Seeing the stadium, it’s amazing and I’m really excited to play in front of the fans.”