8 Celtic transfer storylines as unwanted duo free to go and Idah drops hint

8 Celtic transfer storylines as unwanted duo free to go and Idah drops hint

The Parkhead faithful’s patience is wearing thin after just two goalkeeping additions this summer

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers (Image: SNS Group)

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Brendan Rodgers hopes Celtic will finally be able to add some new outfield players to their ranks this week.

The Hoops have made just two signings this summer – goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo – as Rodgers seeks to bolster his squad. The Scottish champions are in the market for a new left-back, central defender, midfielder and striker but have been frustrated in their attempts to do business so far.

Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo is believed to be close to sealing a permanent return to Glasgow and Rodgers hopes to have some new faces on board ahead of flag day on Sunday. He said: “I hope so. You want to have them in as soon as you possibly can. Their current group is working very hard in their own right and we’ll improve the squad over the course of the window.”

The Double-winners returned home today after a superb 12-day pre-season tour of the USA where they defeated DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea – scoring four goals in each game. Here, Football Scotland delivers the current transfer state of play.

Adam Idah

The striker dropped a transfer tease on social media last night by reacting to Celtic’s emphatic 4-1 win over Chelsea. Idah wasn’t involved for Norwich in Friday night’s friendly defeat to FC Magdeburg due to a ‘knock’ but was spotted in the stands at Carrow Road. Celts have already had a £4million bid knocked back for the Irishman and although the Canaries are reluctant to sell, the Scottish champions believe a deal can be struck. Crucially, Idah wants to return to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

Paulo Bernardo

Reports in Portugal had suggested that Celtic and Benfica had finally agreed terms and that Bernardo was on the verge of signing a five-year deal, barring any medical hitches. As things stand, there has been no movement on that front and Rodgers appeared to pour cold water on an imminent announcement.

Hugo Bueno

It emerged during the week that the Scottish champions had opened talks over a season-long loan deal for Wolves left-back Bueno. The Hoops attempted to land the Spain Under-21 international on loan in January and have resurrected their interest as they seek to bring in competition for Greg Taylor. Rodgers was coy when asked about a potential swoop at the weekend, saying: “I obviously know Hugo from the Premier League and seen him play, but nothing more on that really.” It’s believed Wolves would prefer to keep the 21-year-old on the books as back-up for Rayan Ait-Nouri, which could force the Glasgow giants to move on to alternative targets.

Matt O’Riley

Celtic have already thrown out THREE offers from Europa League winners Atalanta for their star man. It’s understood the Parkhead club won’t consider anything less than £25million for their star man. Cash-rich Celts are in no rush to sell O’Riley and the midfielder is equally relaxed over his situation and is not itching for a move. Speaking last night, Rodgers said: “There’s been no change I am aware of. He knows he’s at a massive club. There’s been no change in his attitude of his quality and you can see that in the games.”

The £3million Swede has made a few pre-season cameos but clearly doesn’t figure in Celtic’s long-term plans after being deemed surplus to requirements by Rodgers. Celtic are willing to offload the defender this summer either on loan or permanently. Lagerbielke saw a transfer to Lecce collapse at the last minute in January but the Serie A side have yet to come back to the table.

Yuki Kobayashi

Japanese stopper Kobayashi has been utilised at left-back over pre-season but hasn’t kicked a competitive ball since May 2023. Ange Postecoglou’s signing has suitors back in his homeland and the Parkhead club are willing to do business.

Daniel Kelly

The midfielder has been banished from Rodgers’ pre-season plans having failed to commit his future to the club. Teenage midfielder Kelly, 18, is out of contract in December and has attracted interest from German champions Bayer Leverkusen. Unless he signs a new deal, then he’ll remain with the B squad until the end of the year.

Tanner Tessmann to Celtic transfer addressed by agent as the REAL roadblock in Venezia exit named

The USA international is in demand after his move to Inter collapsed

Tanner Tessmann’s agent Andrea D’Amico has conceded that Venezia’s asking price may scare off suitors amid interest from Celtic.

The 22-year-old is currently at the Olympics with the USA after an impressive campaign with the Serie B side as they earned promotion to the Italian top flight. Tessmann had been on the brink of a move to Inter before the Serie A heavyweights pulled out of the deal – with the Scottish Premiership champions said to be among a host of clubs considering an approach.

Reports claim that Tessmann will make a decision on his future when he returns from international duty, and his represenative hyped up his played and his potential to take the next step on Radio Bruno: “ Tessmann is still young, he can still grow, he was valued by (former boss Paulo) Vanoli and he was good at taking advantage of the opportunities he had when other teammates had problems. Tessmann was good at being ready and providing continuity.”

He then went on to hint that a big asking price from Venezia is the real hurdle for clubs to clear as the club prepare for life in Serie A. Fiorentina are said to be interesting but will not go higher than €5m (£4m) – with Tessmann’s current side demanding offers over €6m.

D’Amico went on: “Every player has a price. I don’t think Venezia would want to get rid of such an important player as Tessmann lightheartedly. Making the leap from B to A without a pillar like him for Venezia would not be trivial. Tessmann played football, he has a great physique, as often happens with Americans, athletes are complete. In America they work a lot on the athletic aspect.”

Rodgers could land his own Tessmann in Celtic swoop for “terrific” star

Celtic kick off their 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign next weekend with a clash against Kilmarnock and it remains to be seen how many fresh faces will be on display.

There will be a new goalkeeper between the sticks after Joe Hart retired at the end of last season, with Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo coming through the door to compete to replace him.

Attacking midfielder Paulo Bernardo is also reportedly set to join on a permanent deal from Portuguese giants Benfica after his loan spell at Parkhead last term.

Celtic have also been linked with other central midfielders as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his options across the park before the window slams shut.

Celtic’s midfield search

The Hoops were recently touted with an interest in Venezia midfielder Tanner Tessmann after his move to Italian giants Inter fell through earlier this month.

He is said to be valued at £6m by the Serie B outfit and the Scottish giants are one of the teams who have been alerted to his potential availability this window.

Rodgers could, however, land his own, potentially cheaper, version of Tessmann by swooping to sign reported transfer target Riley McGree from Middlesbrough.

The Premiership champions are interested in the £2.5m-rated star who has 12 months left to run on his contract. He could be a cheaper alternative to the American midfielder due to his £2.5m valuation and contract situation, whilst offering similar qualities on the pitch.

Why Celtic should sign Riley McGree

Celtic should be attempting to sign McGree from the English Championship side due to his possible price and the in-possession quality he can offer in a midfield role.

The Australia international produced four goals in 14 league starts during the 2023/24 campaign and plundered six goals and eight ‘big chances’ created in 43 league games the previous term.

Meanwhile, Tessmann is coming off the back of a return of six goals, three assists and six ‘big chances’ created in 37 outings for Venezia in the Serie B last season.

This suggests that they both offer a similar threat as an attacking presence in the final third, with their respective abilities as a scorer and a creator of goals.

McGree per 90 (23/24 Championship)

Percentile rank

Tessmann per 90 (Serie B)

Percentile rank

5.72 progressive passes

Top 9%

6.93 progressive passes

Top 5%

79.8% pass accuracy

Top 15%

80.2% pass accuracy

Top 42%

3.22 progressive carries

Top 35%

1.72 progressive carries

Top 39%

0.29 non-penalty goals

Top 26%

0.17 non-penalty goals

Top 19%

Stats via FB Ref

As you can see in the table above, they also possess similar attributes in possession when it comes progressing the ball through carries and passes.

McGree and Tessmann both look to move their team further up the pitch from a deep-lying position, whether that is by splitting lines with a pass or taking players on with the ball at their feet.

Reo Hatate wanted by Leicester as Celtic brace themselves for big money bid from Premier League club

New Leicester boss Steve Cooper is keen to bring the Japan star to the King Power Stadium ahead of their Premier League return

Leicester City are reportedly set to launch a bid to try and land Celtic star Reo Hatate.

The Foxes are back in the Premier League after winning the Championship title last season, with new boss Steve Cooper keen to add to his squad having already signed Abdul Fatawa, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Michael Golding and Caleb Okoli. And according to the Daily Mail, Leicester are preparing a ‘big money offer’ for Japanese midfielder Hatate.

The 26-year-old has scored 16 goals in 87 matches since his arrival from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale in the summer of 2022 and was said to be on his old Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou’s radar at Tottenham when he jumped ship 12 months ago. Hatate – who still has four years remaining on his contract at Parkhead – endured an injury-ravaged campaign in 2023/24, making just 21 appearances in all competitions.

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Leeds United in difficult transfer tussle – Club single out alternative to Celtic player

Atalanta have been trying to sign Celtic’s Matt O’Riley for weeks, he’s the club’s major midfield target this summer and is wanted regardless of whether they sell Teun Koopmeiners.

However, Celtic are holding firm with their asking price and look to be in a strong position. The midfielder is on an upward curve and it doesn’t look like he’d drop value if he stays with Brendan Rodgers’ side for another season.

Corriere dello Sport report that’s seen the Serie A side look at other targets so they’re prepared if Celtic keep the barriers up. Such a switch sees them in competition with Leeds United, according to the Italian newspaper.

Gabriel Sara is said to be of interest to Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Galatasaray and now Atalanta.

The 25-year-old Norwich City player is clearly a wanted man and it looks to be an incredibly difficult battle for Leeds, given the competition beside them.

Atalanta have a great reputation for scouting players and picking up good deals, so their interest is something of a seal of approval for Sara.