Celtic boost as ‘transfer target asking price dropped

Celtic boost as ‘transfer target asking price dropped’

Alvyn Sanches has been linked with a move to Celtic this summer (Image: Getty)

FC Lausanne-Sport have reduced their asking price for Celtic transfer target Alvyn Sanches, according to reports.

It’s claimed the Swiss club have chopped their valuation of the 21-year-old midfielder by £1m.

Brendan Rodgers is thought to be keen on Sanches with Celtic having reportedly held extensive talks over a transfer move, but no formal bid has been made.

The Express claims Celtic have been tracking Sanches for the last 18 months with scouts expecting the player to develop into a top talent.

While several clubs are thought to be interested in Sanches, it’s claimed Celtic have ‘done more legwork than most’ in discussing a possible transfer deal.

The outlet have also stated Celtic would only have to shell out £3m on Sanches, rather than the £4m initial transfer demand.

While FC Lausanne-Sport are under no pressure to sell, it’s thought Celtic would have no issue agreeing personal terms with the player should a fee be finalised.

Ramon Vega previously tipped Sanches to become a £20m player should he make the move to Celtic as a possible replacement for Matt O’Riley.

“Alvyn Sanches is a good prospect, especially for a club like Celtic,” he said. “He is a great talent. I have read that Celtic are in the market for a Matt O’Riley replacement. To fill that void will be very difficult. If Celtic signed Sanches now then he could make them a lot of money in resell value in two to three years.

“If Sanches signed for Celtic now and he did well, I could see him becoming Celtic’s next £20 to £25 million-plus player just like O’Riley.  If he signs for a club like Celtic and plays the way I think he can play then within two years he would be a minimum £20 million player.”

Former Celtic man wants to leave this summer despite £25m transfer

Former Celtic man wants to leave this summer despite £25m transfer

Celtic cut ties with the player just over 12 months ago

Former Celtic winger Jota has informed Al-Ittihad that he wants to leave this summer, according to a report by Al-Jazirah. The attacker has struggled to settle in Saudi Arabia and is now keen to move on in this window and find himself a new home.

The Hoops sold him to his current club last year for a fee in the region of £25million. However, the 25-year-old is already being linked with an exit from the Saudi Pro League.

The ex-Celtic favourite made 29 appearances for Al-Ittihad in all competitions last season and chipped in with five goals. Al-Jazirah’s report claims he has turned down the chance to join a team in the same league as them.

Al-Ittihad didn’t win a trophy last term and it ended up being a disappointing campaign for them. Jota said: “We apologise to the fans for leaving the King’s Cup and the rest of the tournaments. We have to improve ourselves. We will work to correct the results in the upcoming matches. Al-Ittihad is a big club and will return to winning trophies.”

Celtic signed Jota back in 2021 on an initial loan deal before his move to Glasgow was later made a permanent one. He was a real hit during his time at Celtic Park and fired 28 goals in 83 matches altogether, helping them win the Scottish Premiership twice as well as the Scottish Cup and League Cup.

Ange Postecoglou was his manager during his time in Scotland before his exit to Tottenham Hotspur. The Australian boss was able to get the best out of Jota and said: “Jota in his career before he got to us (Celtic) wasn’t going on the trajectory he wanted and he was the one who made the decision to come here and work hard at his game and improve, and he is. He’s constantly improving, like all the group, and that needs to keep happening because there’s more in them, there’s more in him and I’m sure he’s working his way towards that.”

Jota started his career at Benfica and rose up through the academy ranks there. He was a regular for them at various different youth levels before breaking into their B team. The ex-Portugal youth international then went on to play 33 times for their first-team, as well as having a loan spell away at Real Vallodolid in Spain to get some experience under his belt..

Celtic then came calling and he became a key player before Benfica let him leave for good. His future is up in the air right now though with it yet to be known whether he will be sticking around with Al-Ittihad or moving on for a new start somewhere else.

“We are hopeful” – Club official on deal for Celtic player, ‘in discussion’ with Brendan Rodgers’ side

Gustaf Lagerbielke joined Celtic in August 2023, but he struggled for regular game time in his debut season. Brendan Rodgers handed him 576 minutes from 10 games, of which only two of them were from this year.

The centre-back’s contract lasts until 2028, but his future could be away from Celtic Park.

On Tuesday, Fussball Transfers reported Celtic will most likely let him leave this summer. It was also stated SC Heerenveen are very keen and are ahead of KV Mechelen in the transfer race.

The Eredivisie side’s interest in the 24-year-old is backed up by Leeuwarder Courant, relayed by Voetbal Primeur.

It’s claimed Heerenveen ‘are in discussion’ with Celtic to sign the defender on a loan deal. The report makes no mention whether they plan to include an option or obligation to buy.

The Dutch club’s manager, Robin van Persie, currently lacks sufficient options in the heart of the defence. The Celtic player is the ‘desirable’ target for them to bolster the back line.

Heerenveen general manager Ferry de Haan remains hopeful of signing the Sweden international before the window closes.

“It is not a fait accompli yet, but we are hopeful that it will work out,” he told Leeuwarder Courant

“With Pawel Bochniewicz and Sam Kersten, we now have two central defenders. Mateja Milovanovic is still behind that but needs some time. We want to have a good line-up at the back.”

£4.3M Celtic star in transfer exit frame as frustrating spell could end amid Rodgers’ new additions hunt

The defender has had a tough time | SNS Group

He joined Celtic in the last summer transfer window.

Celtic defender Maik Nawrocki is one star who could take their leave from the club by the end of this transfer window.

Having arrived from Poland and Legia Warsaw last summer in a deal believed to be in the region of £4.3m on a five-year deal, Nawrocki’s first year has been a struggle. While some of his performances have impressed, injuries have plagued him and again they struck in a pre-season match with Ayr United earlier this summer.

He has played just 13 times for Brendan Rodgers’ side since his move to Glasgow, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales the bona fide choices in central defence. Fellow defenders Gustaf Lagerbielke, Stephen Welsh and Yuki Kobayashi have also been linked with exits.

Now Nawrocki’s name is next to be thrown back into the rumour mill, with the Scottish Sun reporting “Maik Nawrocki could also move on.” Boss Brendan Rodgers wants to add more to his squad this summer and the report states he is eyeing “a new central defender and left-back.”

Talk has turned frenzied over star asset Matt O’Riley, who is believed to be in Brighton sights over a blockbuster move to the Premier League. The Seagulls are claimed to stand ready for shattering the Scottish transfer record held by Kieran Tierney’s move from Celtic to Arsenal at £25m in 2019 in order to land O’Riley.

So far, Rodgers has added Viljami SInisalo, Kasper Schmeichel, Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah to his squad. They return to Premiership action this weekend away at St Mirren.

Leicester City transfer news: Foxes ‘monitoring’ Celtic midfielder

Leicester City are reportedly interested in signing Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate this summer.

The 26-year-old has been a key part of the Hoops squad over recent years that has managed to win three straight Scottish Premiership titles.

The latest of those successes arrived during the 2023-24 term under the leadership of Brendan Rodgers, who is a massive admirer of Hatate in the engine room.

The Japan international started 12 matches in the league for Celtic last campaign, scoring three goals and providing four assists as his side pipped Rangers to the Scottish crown.

Since making the switch from J1 League outfit Kawasaki Frontale during the January window of 2022, Hatate has featured on 92 occasions for the Bhoys, finding the net 17 times.

Leicester ‘monitoring’ Celtic star Hatate

According to football editor Chris Wheatley, Hatate’s two-year stay at Parkhead could be coming to an end before the conclusion of the summer transfer window.

The report states that the 26-year-old is attracting interest from top-flight newcomers Leicester, who are looking to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

It is understood that Hatate is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer as he looks to prove himself at the highest level of football possible.

As well as Steve Cooper‘s Foxes, it is believed that the nine-time international has potential suitors in Italy and Spain, although the clubs in question are currently unknown.

Hatate has been the subject of concrete interest already this summer, with title-winning Celtic rejecting an offer for the midfielder from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.

Where would Hatate fit at Leicester?

Following the £30m move of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea at the beginning of July, a large chunk of Leicester’s transfer business has been centred around bulking up their midfield.

Leaving North London permanently for the first time in his football career, Oliver Skipp has switched from Tottenham Hotspur to the King Power Stadium for £20m.

Representing a more attacking option in the engine room, Facundo Buonanotte has joined Leicester on loan for the season from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Hatate would offer a rounded presence in the midfield for the Foxes, with the Celtic man possessing the ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

 

Reading FC eyeing loan move for Celtic player

Reading are interested in a potential loan deal for Celtic left-back Matthew Anderson.

This is according to Football Scotland, who believe the defender is available to be taken on a temporary spell for the 2024/25 campaign, as he looks to get more first-team football under his belt.

The Royals are in desperate need of addressing several positions during the summer transfer window, having failed to make a single signing during this window so far.

This is due to their ownership situation, but with a takeover potentially on the horizon at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, they could have the opportunity to strengthen the positions that they need to.

The left-back department needs looking at, as well as the centre-back area, with the departures of Nelson Abbey, Tom Holmes, Tom McIntyre and Zane Monlouis this calendar year leaving them with fewer options in this area.

They may also be keen to bring in another attacking midfield option to compete for a spot in that area, with Harvey Knibbs currently out of action.

However, their wing and striker areas may be higher up on Ruben Selles’ side’s list of priorities for the remainder of the window, with the Berkshire side in need of more quality in the final third.

But by the time a takeover is potentially announced, even if it happens to be today, the club will only have a very limited amount of time to get deals over the line with the transfer window closing on August 30th.

Another factor that will make things for the Royals is the transfer embargo, which restricts them to pursuing free agents and loanees.

Many of their free agent targets are likely to have been snapped up by now – but they could potentially benefit from adding more quality to their squad via the loan market.

Reading FC interested in Matthew Anderson

Despite securing four points from six against Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic this term, the Royals are clearly in need of more depth.

Football Scotland have reported that the Bhoys’ young defender Anderson is on Selles’ side’s radar at this stage.

Anderson is a 20-year-old left-back who is yet to make his debut for his side’s senior team, but has played for their B side and spent last season on loan at Admira Wacker, who compete in the second tier of Austrian football.

Matthew Anderson’s 2023/24 loan spell at Admira Wacker

(All competitions)

Appearances

22

Goals

1

Assists

6

The Royals are currently lacking left-back options, with 16-year-old Andre Garcia currently Jeriel Dorsett’s backup option.

Garcia isn’t a natural left-back and neither is Dorsett, but the latter has been exceptional during the early stages of the campaign following his recovery from an injury.

Matthew Anderson could be a good option for Reading FC

Dorsett (pictured above) has been an excellent option for the Royals in the past 12 months or so.

Managing to adapt to the left-back spot well, he has become better and better in this area.

Also an academy graduate, the fans have really warmed to him and although he isn’t always mentioned, supporters clearly appreciate him at the SCL Stadium.

Garcia, meanwhile, may have done well during the early stages of the season, but another left-back is probably needed before the window closes.

Anderson, who can clearly offer plenty going forward, could be a shrewd addition in Berkshire if he comes in.

But a takeover needs to be done first.

Atletics Man City eyeing outstanding celtic star player…

Manchester City want to sign Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi as a replacement for Julian Alvarez, according to The Athletic.

The Premier League champions have only signed winger Savio so far this summer to bolster their squad, but sold World Cup winner Alvarez to Atletico Madrid in a club-record deal earlier this month worth €95million including add-ons.

Pep Guardiola now wants to replace him to ease the burden on Erling Haaland in attack, and Hoops star Kyogo has emerged as a shock target for the Cityzens ahead of the deadline next week.

Man City Want to Sign Kyogo

City focusing on Gundogan return first

The Japan international has been a mainstay in the Celtic side since he was signed by Ange Postecoglou and has been the top scorer in two of his three full seasons with the club, scoring 73 goals in 135 appearances.

According to journalist Sam Lee, City are considering making a move for the 29 year-old as cover for Haaland but are first focusing on a deal to bring Ilkay Gundogan back to the Etihad Stadium.

The German left the club for Barcelona on a free transfer last summer but has been told by the Catalan club he is free to leave this summer and a return to the blue half of Manchester seems to be edging closer.

Kyogo Furuhashi Scottish Premiership Career Stats

Games

80 (16)

Goals

53

Assists

8

Kyogo Furuhashi is open to the move to the Premier League and there is a belief that personal terms will not be a problem, but City are also eyeing another forward who is younger as a potential option and a deal hasn’t been made yet.

The player has caught the eye of City chiefs and the belief is that he will be willing to come in as a squad player to offer back-up to Norwegian star Haaland, but is also capable of filling a hole in the squad with his quality.

GIVEMESPORT key statistic: Only Lawrence Shankland has scored more Scottish Premiership goals than Kyogo Furuhashi since he joined Celtic in 2021.

Gundogan Set to Return to the Etihad

German will leave Barcelona after just one season

City are closing in on the return of Ilkay Gundogan after just one year to bolster their midfield, after he was told he could leave Barcelona for free just one year after joining.

The Germany international scored twice in the FA Cup final win over Manchester United as he helped the team lift the treble, before leaving when his contract expired for the Camp Nou.

But after the Catalan club signed Dani Olmo this summer, they need to balance their books and Gundogan’s €15million per-year wages are something they want to get off the books. He has been told he can leave without a transfer fee, and Pep Guardiola has told the City board to bring him back.

Gundogan is expected to sign a two-year deal to return, and will compete for a spot in the midfield this season.

Celtic are searching for a left-back this window as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his ranks before the transfer deadline.

Greg Taylor remains the only senior option on that side of the defence and is now entering the final year of his deal. Both parties have yet to agree on an extension.

Yesterday, we reported that Celtic are prepared to send Matthew Anderson on loan despite his impressive pre-season performances.

Reading are willing to acquire the Scotland Under-21 international for the remainder of the season. With the left-back situation starting to take shape, the Bhoys remain interested in adding to the area.

According to reports, Celtic have enquired about Ajax’s Owen Wijndal. The Eredivisie giants are open to offers for the Netherlands international, who spent last season on loan at Royal Antwerp.

Liverpool’s Owen Beck still remains of interest. The Reds are open to either a permanent deal or a loan switch for the Welshman amid his contract having two years to run at Anfield [Transfermarkt]. New information has come to light regarding his current predicament.

Celtic target Owen Beck sees options narrow

Reports last week suggested that Leeds United and Middlesbrough were providing competition to Celtic for Beck, but it appears one of them has now decided to take a different direction.

According to Teesside Live, the former Dundee loanee isn’t on Michael Carrick’s radar this summer, with work going on behind the scenes at the Riverside Stadium to sign an alternative unnamed left-back target.

In a way, this could narrow the list of competitors Celtic have in the race to sign the AXA Training Centre product. Nevertheless, Queens Park Rangers and other EFL clubs have also been in pursuit of the Anfield talent.

Realistically, this could be one that goes to the wire. The transfer deadline is next Friday, and you would imagine the Liverpool fringe man will take time to mull over his options.

Crucially, there has been no news to suggest Celtic are no longer looking to strike. The Bhoys are in desperate need of depth at left-back, and Beck may be their best bet at this stage in the window.

 

Manchester City want Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi…

Beck path clears, Lagerbielke silence broken and ‘excellent’ £4.7m deal green lit – Celtic transfer state of play

Brendan Rodgers is set for a busy end to the summer window

Celtic have seen the race to land Liverpool’s Owen Beck narrow with one suitor reportedly dropping out of the race.

The Scottish Premiership champions have been locked in talks over signing the Welsh international that they first tried to land in January following an impressive six-month stint at Dundee – and since then he has remained his on Brendan Rodgers’ wish list for the left-back’s to provide a challenge for Greg Taylor. Liverpool are understood to be willing to sell the 22-year-old as with Beck in the final 12 months of his contract.

The Hoops, Leeds United and QPR have been touted as potential destinations – but Middlesbrough are said to have given up on brining Beck to the Riverside this summer. Teeside Live report that Michael Carrick’s side will “not offer competition” to the list of suitors. While left-back is a key position that Celtic want to strengthen in, a new central midfielder could quickly move up the agenda.

Matt O’Riley is inching closer to a big-money switch to Brighton – and that could clear the path for Tanner Tessmann to arrive at Celtic Park. The 22-year-old was a standout for the club last season in Serie B for Venezia last season – and has already seen moves to Inter and Fiorentina collapse this summer. The latest saw a £4.7m move to Florence fall apart over a disagreement with the player’s agents.

But after being frozen out by the club, the Venezia head coach Eusebio di Fransesco has admitted an exit has already been green lit by the club – should the right offer come in. He told Tuttomercatoweb: “I’ll let the club talk about him.

“Then, if you ask me what I think of him as a player, then I can tell you that he’s an excellent player. At the moment, he’s not part of the project. It’s a discussion to be discussed with the club in which the coach can have a say up to a certain point.”

In terms of outgoings, Gustaf Lagerbielke‘s Celtic transfer exit to SC Heerenveen is “not a done deal yet” according to chief executive Ferry de Haan. With KV Mechelen also chasing a deal for the out of favour Swede, he told Leeuwarder Courant: “It is not a done deal yet, but we are hopeful that it will work out.

“With Pawel Bochniewicz and Sam Kersten, we now have two central defenders. Mateja Milovanovic is still behind them but needs some time. We want to have a good line-up in the centre of defence.”

Rodgers could brilliantly replace Oh with Celtic move for “improving” star

Celtic have enjoyed a strong start to the 2024/25 campaign with three wins in three matches in all competitions, the latest of which was a 3-1 win over Hibernian in the League Cup.

The Hoops were knocked out of the competition at that stage last season but goals from Daizen Maeda (two) and Nicolas Kuhn secured the win for Brendan Rodgers.

Two wins in two games in the Scottish Premiership so far also has the reigning champions top of the table in the early stages, despite the lack of transfer activity from the Bhoys.

Rodgers has only added four players to his squad – Viljami Sinisalo, Kasper Schmeichel, Paulo Bernardo, and Adam Idah – and two of those were on loan at Parkhead last term.

Idah is the most recent addition to the playing squad after his £9.5m move from Norwich City was confirmed last week, with an £8.5m rising to £9.5m deal agreed for his services.

The Ireland international spent the second half of last season on loan in Glasgow, though, and Hyeon-gyu Oh – who was part of the squad at the same time – has since moved on.

Celtic’s Hyeon-gyu Oh masterclass

In January of 2023, Ange Postecoglou swooped to sign the South Korea international from Suwon Bluewings for a reported fee of £2.5m to bolster his attacking options, as Giorgos Giakoumakis was set to move to the MLS with Atlanta United.

The young marksman enjoyed a decent first five months in Scottish football with a return of six goals in 16 Premiership appearances during the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

After that promising start to life in Glasgow, the hope should have been for Oh to kick on and become a reliable performer for the Hoops in his first full season with the club.

However, the 23-year-old struggled to step up under Rodgers, who replaced Postecoglou last summer, and did not improve on his six-goal return from the previous campaign.

Instead, the Northern Irish boss opted to bring Idah in during the winter window and that left Oh as the third-choice behind the Irishman and Kyogo Furuhashi in the pecking order.

23/24 Premiership

Hyeon-gyu Oh

Appearances

20

Goals

5

Big chances missed

5

Assists

0

Big chances created

0

Key passes per game

0.3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the right-footed attacker was handed 20 appearances in the division to stake a claim for his place and found the back of the net five times, but failed to provide much in the way of creativity for his teammates.

Despite his struggles on the pitch for the Scottish giants, Celtic played a masterclass with Oh as they managed to sell him on for a decent profit this summer.

Belgian side Genk swooped in to sign the 23-year-old striker for a reported fee of £4.5m – £2m more than the Hoops paid Suwon Bluewings for his services 18 months prior.

Celtic could now brilliantly replace Oh as a third-choice centre-forward by signing a player they are reportedly considering a move for this month.

Celtic interested in free agent marksman

According to Football Scotland, the Premiership champions are one of a number of clubs keeping an eye on free agent centre-forward Aaron Connolly.

The Ireland international is currently without a club, having left Hull City at the end of last season, and this means that they would not have to pay a penny in transfer fees to snap him up.

Football Scotland claims that the Bhoys are monitoring his situation and considering whether or not to make a move for the former Brighton & Hove Albion attacker.

Connolly, who was hailed as “improving” by journalist Josh Bunting last season, had attracted interest from the MLS but their transfer window has now closed.

The report does not reveal who else is interested in signing the 24-year-old striker, though, and so it remains to be seen how difficult it will be to complete a deal for him.

However, Rodgers must now push to land the talented attacker on a bargain free transfer before the end of the window in order to brilliantly replace Oh as the third-choice striker at Parkhead.

Why Celtic should sign Aaron Connolly

Firstly, it would be a bargain move for the Scottish giants because he is a free agent. The club raked in £4.5m for Oh and could potentially replace him with a better player who is also only one year older than the South Korean gem, at 24.

Another thing that Connolly immediately has over the Genk striker is that he is a versatile forward who can play in a multitude of roles for Rodgers.

He has played on both flanks, as a second striker, and as an attacking midfielder in his career, which means that the manager could select him on the flank either side of Idah or Kyogo, or in the number ten position behind them.

So, while he may come in as a third-choice striker on paper that does not mean that his minutes will be heavily restricted, as the 24-year-old star can play in several positions.

His form for Hull City in the 2023/24 campaign also suggests that Connolly does not need to start games on a regular basis to make an impact.

23/24 Championship

Aaron Connolly

Appearances

28

Starts

13

Goals

8

xG

6.62

Conversion rate

20%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Ireland international struck eight times in the Championship despite only starting 13 of his 28 appearances.

This suggests that he is comfortable with a back-up role and has the right mentality to affect matches from the bench, which would make him an ideal signing for Celtic as a rotation option.

The Irish striker, who scored 31 goals in 42 matches for Brighton at U23 level earlier in his career, showcased his clinical nature in front of goal with eight goals from 6.62 xG.

Record fee likely as Celtic consider life without O’Riley

O’Riley is not only a creator but a scorer of goals for Celtic

Speculation about Matt O’Riley’s future has been a daily constant in Scotland’s media all summer after the midfielder helped Celtic to the league title and Scottish Cup Double.

Since Atletico Madrid had an approach rejected in January, it has seemed like only a matter of time before somebody matched Celtic’s valuation for the elegantly influential 23-year-old.

This summer, it has been Atalanta and, most recently, Brighton & Hove Albion, who have been most strongly linked with the London-born Denmark international.

So what has brought him to the brink of a move to the Premier League and how might his departure affect Celtic and any future employer?

Who is Matt O’Riley?

O’Riley (left) last played in English football with MK Dons

A native of Hounslow, O’Riley joined Fulham’s academy at the age of eight, graduating to a first-team debut as a 16-year-old in an EFL Cup win away to Wycombe Wanderers.

However, having made just five appearances, and only one in the league as a substitute, in the three years thereafter, the England youth international rejected the offer of a new contract and joined MK Dons in League One.

With 10 goals in 54 appearances, nearly all of them starts, O’Riley had already shown his goal threat from midfield.

Those performances persuaded Celtic to shell out a reported £1.5m in January 2022 to match his release clause.

Eligible to represent Denmark and Norway via his mother’s side of the family, it only took three months starring in the Premiership for O’Riley to be called up to Denmark Under-21s.

Four years on and he has accumulated three league winners’ medals, two for the Scottish Cup and one for the League Cup as well as vital experience on the European club stage.

What would O’Riley exit mean for Celtic?

O’Riley has formed a great partnership with Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate

O’Riley’s statistics are hugely impressive.

Since arriving at Celtic, he has provided more assists than anyone in the Scottish Premiership, his 29 being six more than Rangers captain James Tavernier.

O’Riley ranks third when combining goals and assists, his 54 involvements only two behind Heart of Midlothian striker Lawrence Shankland and seven adrift of Tavernier, king of Rangers penalties.

O’Riley (217) is second only to Tavernier (275) and well ahead of the next best, Kilmarnock winger Danny Armstrong (173) in terms of chances created – and only 10 behind the Rangers man when you only count those from open play.

As for touches in the box, O’Riley outshines any Premiership player, his 555 being more than Shankland’s 498 and well ahead of team-mate Daizen Maeda and Bojan Miovski, the striker sold this month by Aberdeen to Girona.

O’Riley is also fourth best for successful crosses behind Tavernier, Armstrong and former Rangers left-back Borna Barisic – and his 25 goals over the last two years is only bettered by four strikers and that man Tavernier.

Those steadily improving numbers mean O’Riley has possibly now overtaken captain Callum McGregor and Japan’s Reo Hatate in terms of importance to Celtic.

The trio have been central to a scintillating start to this season for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Acknowledging their role last week, the manager said: “In my history as a coach, the dynamic midfield three is always important.

“It’s never about one player, it’s always about the three. And I think that it was probably only into the latter stages of last season that those three came together.

“And I think you’ve seen the flow and the dynamism and how it all makes the team function.”

Rodgers has repeatedly said he doesn’t want to lose O’Riley, while praising the player’s “phenomenal mentality” in blocking out the speculation.

Seeking to bolster his squad ahead of the Champions League, Rodgers is not reliant on funds from any sale of O’Riley.

“I still think we need another player in that position,” he said. “If he was to go, we’d need two more.”

Rodgers has said he doubts whether he could “replace like-for-like” and Celtic would not pay such “big money” on one player.

It looks increasingly likely that it will take an offer north of the club’s £25m record sales for both Kieran Tierney and Jota to prise O’Riley away.

What would O’Riley arrival mean for Brighton?

O’Riley will hope a move will bring more Denmark caps

O’Riley will have been disappointed to have missed out on the Denmark squad for this summer’s Euro 2024 finals.

After handing him a start in their 2-0 qualifying defeat by Northern Ireland in Belfast, then head coach Kasper Hjulmand explained in March that he thought O’Riley had six better midfielders ahead of him.

O’Riley will perhaps think he has a better chance of adding to his two caps now that former Celtic midfielder Morten Wieghorst has been appointed caretaker boss, but playing regularly in one of the top leagues would no doubt help his cause.

Europa League winners Atalanta had appeared to be favourites for his signature, but after reportedly failing with a series of bids, the Serie A club on Sunday signed Serbia international Lazar Samardzic from Udinese.

Unlike the Italians – and Celtic – Brighton cannot offer European football this season, but they have been investing heavily this summer under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

Pascal Gross has joined Borussia Dortmund, Adam Lallana moved to Southampton and fellow veteran James Milner started their season opener against Everton.

Despite an impressive 3-0 away win, the 31-year-old Hurzeler, who led St Pauli to promotion to the Budesliga before becoming the youngest permanent head coach in Premier League history, may want more youthful legs in that central area of the park.

He has already signed defensive midfielder Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord. O’Riley, his languid running style being somewhat deceiving given his qualities as a constantly involved, pivotal all-rounder, could be next on the agenda.

With fans’ favourite Billy Gilmour only given eight minutes as a late replacement for Milner, O’Riley’s arrival could mean an exit for the 23-year-old Scotland midfielder, who is reportedly on Napoli’s wanted list.

Deal Done In 24-48 Hours If Celtic Say Yes To Offer For Bhoys Star

Celtic could see one a deal done for one of their players within 24 to 48 hours if there is an agreement on the offer on the table, according to BBC Scotland.

Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers is dealing with a range of transfer issues as he looks to strengthen but also to handle interest in his players.

Celtic have been clear that they will only sell their key men on their terms and clubs have had to play ball or walk away.

The Celtic Park side are coming under big pressure for Matt O’Riley and having rejected a host of bids from Atalanta, are now being tested by Brighton.

Brighton have put an offer of £26m on the table for O’Riley and are waiting to see if Celtic will take it.

If the Bhoys do agree that £26m is enough then it is suggested the deal could be done within the next 24 to 48 hours.

O’Riley could join Brighton quickly if the fee makes sense for Celtic.

A quick resolution is likely to suit Rodgers as he looks to make signings of his own before the transfer window slams shut until January.

The Scottish giants will have to decide though if £26m is enough for O’Riley.

The signing of Kasper Schmeichel put an end to Celtic’s search for the replacement of Joe Hart in this summer’s transfer window.

The big Dane was tied up to a one-year deal with an option to extend it by further twelve months and already he looks like a shrewd piece of business by Brendan Rodgers.

Schmeichel looked solid on the US Tour in the wins against DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea and the Celtic fans believe they already have a new hero between the sticks.

And even though he has played just three domestic games for Celtic, Cameron Carter-Vickers has shared how the Danish international already looks like an ‘unbelievable’ player.

Schmeichel is already looking ‘really good’ for Celtic

The US defender admits that he is enjoying lining up alongside his Celtic teammate and Carter-Vickers has been really impressed with Schmeichel so far.

Carter-Vickers told the Daily Record, “Kasper’s been really good. I think from the minute he came in, you saw his quality.

“I think it’s clear to see that on the ball, he can play with the ball at his feet.

“He probably hasn’t had to make many big saves yet in the league or the Cup game, but I think you saw in pre-season that some of the saves he made were unbelievable, so I’m definitely enjoying playing with him and looking forward to keeping playing with him.”

The 37-year-old keeper looks really calm and assured and a big presence in the centre of the Celtic goal.

Although he did concede against Hibs in the League Cup win, Schmeichel is yet to be properly tested.

That test, however, is coming up at the end of August when Rangers come to visit Celtic Park and if Schmeichel can keep a clean sheet and help Brendan Rodgers collect all three points, he will be go even further up in the Celtic supporters’ estimations this season.

Celtic transfer chances of signing £4.2m star rated as Rangers link to €5m striker set for conclusion

Rangers manager Philippe Clement and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers | Getty Images

Latest Celtic and Rangers transfer news and rumours from this weekend

Celtic are hoping to win the title once again this season.

The Hoops are also eyeing some success in Europe under Brendan Rodgers alongside trophies on the home front. As for Rangers, they want to pip their rivals to top spot and will also be keen for silverware in the domestic cups. Here is a look at some of the latest news and rumours regarding the pair…

Celtic eye target

According to Fussball Transfers, Celtic are showing ‘interest’ in signing Lausanne-Sport winger Alvyn Sanches. The 21-year-old, who is a Switzerland youth international, could be seen by the Hoops as someone to bolster their attacking department.

The France-born man started his career at Lausanne Benfica before joining his current club in 2012. He has since risen up through their academy ranks and was a regular at various different youth levels before breaking into their first-team.

Sanches has made 88 appearances in all competitions to date and has chipped in with 14 goals and seven assists. His contract expires in June 2026 so Lausanne-Sport are under no pressure to cash in on him in this window and can wait for the right offer to come in for his signature.

Celtic chances of signing him are rated as ‘not bad’ with a transfer fee at around £4.2m required if they do want to make him part of their squad.

Rangers striker target set to secure move

Rangers-linked Albion Rrahmani is set to join Sparta Prague from Rapid Bucharest. The Ibrox club will have to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements between now and the end of the window if they are still keen to bolster this area of the park.

Rrahmani was reportedly targeted as someone to boost Philippe Clement’s options at the top end of the pitch. However, he appears to have now decided to move to the Czech Republic for a new chapter in his career.

The Kosovo international joined Rapid last year and has since been their key man up top. He fired 18 league goals in 28 matches. Rangers have until the deadline later this month to bring in more players to strengthen their squad.

Millwall seal transfer agreement with Celtic for talented midfielstar

Millwall had already agreed to sign Celtic midfielder January in January, but the Lions and the Scottish champions have thrashed out a deal which will see the teenager move now

Daniel Kelly is set to complete a move to Millwall in the coming days

Millwall are poised to wrap up a deal for Celtic wonderkid Daniel Kelly in the coming days.

The talented midfielder, 18, had agreed terms on a pre-contract agreement to join the Lions on January 1 following the conclusion of his Celtic deal.

But Millwall and the Scottish giants have since agreed terms on a deal which will see Kelly make the move to South London now rather than in five months time.

Kelly, a Scotland Under-19 international, is highly-rated at Celtic and the Scottish champions had hoped to keep hold of him. But the talented teenager rejected a contract offer from his boyhood club, who will now bank a six-figure sum from the Lions.

He was subsequently frozen out of the first-team by head coach Brendan Rodgers and has been playing in the Lowland League with Celtic B, where he’s registered three goal contributions in four games this term.

Kelly, who is set to undergo a medical at The Den early this week, would become the Lions’ fifth summer capture.

Head coach Neil Harris wants more through the door ahead of next weekend’s Championship fixture against Hull City and the Londoners are aiming to add another forward and a winger to their ranks.

Kelly is leaving Celtic after rejecting a contract offer

Harris confirmed that a deal had been done for Kelly earlier this week and described the pacey youngster as an “old-fashioned No.8” with the potential to become a big player.

Harris told The South London Press on Tuesday: “Dan has agreed to join the club. A deal has been agreed and he has signed. He officially joins us in January.

“He is a young player that we think has got huge potential. He is a very good player. When Dan first walks into the building he is not going to be someone that everyone should expect to go straight into the team.

“He is very young but everyone should take heart that they’ve seen Alfie Massey make his debut tonight and it was an outstanding performance. Dan is a box-to-box midfielder, probably an old-fashioned eight, who has great energy. I’d liken him to a young George Saville when he first came into the football club – breaks into the box and scores goals.

“He has got passion and real aggression to his play.”

Matt O’Riley transfer latest as Brendan Rodgers insists star is “really happy”

Brendan Rodgers has said that Matt O’Riley is “really happy” at Celtic and is in no rush to leave the club. The midfielder put in another strong showing as the Celts beat Hibs 3-1 at Paradise to seal their place in the League Cup Quarter Finals.

After the game, Rodgers told Sun Sport that the 23-year-old that he didn’t know if O’Riley would remain at the club beyond the summer but that the player is enjoying being at the club.

“I don’t know is the honest answer. You see with him that he is an incredibly talented player.

“There is a value we have for him, and if that’s not met he will be here – it’s as simple as that.

“He is really happy here, but it has to be something that draws him away.

“I am not overthinking it. We all know the model here at Celtic – players will improve and they will get to a level that get beyond, not the club, but in terms of the financial salary. But until that comes we continue to work with him.”

It appeared that Serie A side Atalanta would be favourites to sign the Denmark Internationalist given that they have the Champions League to offer players, as well as paying big wages.

Atalanta have swooped to sign Lazar Samardzic from Udinese, who is seen as the Tenu Koopmeiners replacement. Reports from Italy suggest that Atalanta have admitted their defeat in the hunt for O’Riley, which opened the door to sign Samardzic.

Atalanta make Cameron Carter-Vickers transfer enquiry

Atalanta have made an enquiry about Cameron Carter-Vickers, a top US source has revealed. The central defender started in Celtic’s 3-1 win over Hibs and is comfortably Celtic’s best central defender.

Larry Henry Jr, who covered Celtic’s Tour of the USA for The Celtic Star, revealed on Twitter/X that an approach was made but no further action followed.

Serie A side Atalanta have inquired about #USMNT and #CelticFC defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, but nothing more than that, source close to the player confirmed.

Besiktas also remains interested. Former U.S. keeper Brad Friedel now part of Board of Directors in Turkey. pic.twitter.com/1vM3tuWojX

— Larry Henry Jr (@lhenry019) August 18, 2024

Atalanta have been sniffing around Celtic this summer, mainly relating to Matt O’Riley but their efforts to sign the Dane have been rebuffed by the club. However, it’s unsurprising that they were impressed by the USA Internationalist.

CCV has been a rock since joining from Tottenham Hotspur, initially on a season-long loan deal. The defender then signed a permanent deal in 2022 before agreeing a new contract back in January, which will take him to the summer of 2029.

Celtic are looking for a partner for the 26-year-old and will not entertain selling the player, who is a key member of the first team picture.

Celtic midfielder, Daniel Kelly, is set to leave the club this week after a fee was agreed with Millwall today.

We discussed this week how the 18-year-old had already signed a pre-contract agreement with the English Championship club after talks to sign a contract extension with Celtic failed.

Celtic had reportedly offered to pay young Kelly £5,000 per week to extend his stay at Celtic Park but the Scotland U19 international refused to sign the deal.

Brendan Rodgers took a hardline stance with the academy graduate and didn’t involve Kelly in any of Celtic’s pre-season preparations this summer.

And now, according to Lanarkshire Live Sport, Kelly is now set to move to the London-based club after Millwall agreed a fee with Celtic.

Celtic set to bank six-figure sum for Daniel Kelly

The report says Celtic are set to bank an initial £400,000 for Kelly with add-ons and that the young Scot is set to hold a medical with Millwall in the next 24/48 hours.

The youngster is in London now and the report also says that Millwall are hoping to have him in early so he can be involved in Millwall’s upcoming English Championship clash with Hull City next Saturday.

The move will end a summer-long series of headlines and speculation regarding the young midfielder and now Kelly can close his Celtic chapter to continue his story down south.

Although it is disappointing to lose a player of his calibre and potential, hopefully, Celtic have managed to negotiate a sell-on clause for Kelly as he does have a bright future ahead of him and was highly rated at Lennoxtown.

Kelly’s transfer will be Celtic’s ninth permanent departure of the summer window after Brendan Rodgers allowed the likes of Bosun Lawal, Sead Haksabanovic and Hyeongyu Oh to leave the club in order to further their careers.

Norwich City: Johannes Hoff Thorup on strker transfer quest

Johannes Hoff Thorup is confident Norwich City will get the right striker in the building (Image: Andy Sumner/Focus Images Ltd)

Norwich City will step up attempts to sign Adam Idah’s replacement ahead of Sheffield United’s Championship visit.

City remain active in the closing two weeks of the transfer market, with a striker top of the list after opting not to sign Turkish forward Bertug Yildirim in the wake of Idah’s Celtic exit last week.

“I don’t think we are there yet, but we are working on some different options for us,” said Thorup, speaking after Saturday’s 2-2 league draw against Blackburn. “So again, I hope it can be before the next game (Sheffield United). You never know.

“In football, it takes more than just one or two parts to agree when it’s a transfer deal. We have to wait and see, but I’m positive that we can bring quality into the group.”

Josh Sargent underlined his value to the cause with a goal and an assist against Rovers, but Sargent is the only fit senior central striker on the books, with Ashley Barnes on the fitness comeback trail, and youngster Ken Aboh poised for a Football League loan.

Thorup insisted prior to the weekend’s draw he is keen to take his time get the best fit for his attacking unit.

“What we discuss at the moment is the type of striker we want,” he said. “Should we go for a striker who would be a like-for-like replacement for Adam? Or should we go for another type of striker?

“Because we have Josh in the building, and he’s the physical, strong number nine, do we want a player who maybe also could cover other positions, where for Josh, and Adam, it was not really natural for them to be on the left or the right hand side?

“There’s actually more options to this. The most important thing for us is that we find the best possible fit for the group. Of course, a player who should be technically strong and needs to have that intensity in his game where he can press and he can run, but there’s many options.

“I know when the window is open everyone can be a little bit impatient and say, ‘Okay, let’s get him in. Let’s get him in’. But end of the day, when we are in October or November, no one will remember this one week or the next two weeks, but everyone will remember if it’s a good or bad choice. So that’s the most important for us.

“We cannot bring in players where they’re not used to being calm on the ball, comfortable on the ball. We’re not going to bring in players that don’t have the intensity to play the game that we want to play.

“To be fair, we have a very strong recruitment department that can find good players with the hunger to come to this club and perform for this club, because this is the best possible step for them in their career.

“There’s a lot of things that go into it, technical, tactical, the personality, where they are in their career, so many things going on. It’s not easy, and it’s not something you just do overnight.”

Celtic midfielder Daniel Kelly to seal Millwall move this week as fee agreed for early release

The 18-year-old had signed a pre-contract but is now set to join the London club ahead of schedule

Daniel Kelly

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Daniel Kelly is set to secure his exit from Celtic in the coming hours after the Hoops accepted an offer from Millwall worth close to £400,000 plus add-ons for his early release.

The 18-year-old penned a pre-contract with the Lions earlier this week ahead of a January move to the English Championship side, and he was set to play out the rest of his contract in the Lowland League with Celtic B.

But Lanarkshire Live Sport – who exclusively revealed Kelly’s move south – understands Kelly is in London and he will likely undergo a medical in the next 24/48 hours.

Millwall are hoping he can be involved in their Championship clash away to Hull City on Saturday.

It has been a frustrating summer for the boyhood Hoops fan after he turned down a new four-year deal with the Scottish champions, understood to be worth £5,000 a week, and he was frozen out of the first team squad by Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers as a result.

An amicable exit now looks to have been sealed after Millwall expected the East Kilbride ace to join in January.

Rangers situation is worse than when they were liquidated as they are cursed by emotional bankruptcy – Hugh Keevins

Lions boss Neil Harris said on Tuesday: “Dan has agreed to join the club. A deal has been agreed and he has signed. He officially joins us in January.

“He is a young player that we think has got huge potential. He is a very good player. When Dan first walks into the building he is not going to be someone that everyone should expect to go straight into the team.

“He is very young but everyone should take heart that they’ve seen Alfie Massey make his debut tonight and it was an outstanding performance. Dan is a box-to-box midfielder, probably an old-fashioned eight, who has great energy. I’d liken him to a young George Saville when he first came into the football club – breaks into the box and scores goals.

“He has got passion and real aggression to his play.”

BREAKING NEWS: O’Riley price skyrockets, Wijndal door open and Sanches pitch – Celtic transfer state of play

It looks set to be busy couple of weeks for Brendan Rodgers in the summer market

Celtic have reportedly told Atalanta that their asking price for Matt O’Riley has been raised.

The Europa League winners have been focussed on the Danish international throughout the summer window with a series of bids being kicked out by tge Scottish Premiership champions. The Serie A side are not the only side looking to snap up the 23-year-old with Brighton and Bournemouth among the English Premier League sides showing interest -while Atletico Madrid and Inter are among the long-term admirers.

Boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted that Celtic are under no pressure to sell – and a clear message has now been sent according to Gazetta dello Sport . It is claimed that the Hoops have told the Italian side that they are now demanding €30million (£25million) plus €5million (£4million) in bonuses with the latest offer from Atalanta offering a €27million (£23million) package for the midfielder.

It is noted that Celtic would “not mind” keeping O’Riley for the season and the star is “tired of the push and pull” over the deal. The report also notes that Atalanta are now looking at alternatives to replace Juventus-bound Teun Koopmeiners while still weighing up their next move in the O’Riley saga.

Elsewhere, Alvyn Sanches has been touted as a potential replacement for O’Riley should he leave this summer. Celtic would face competition from Nice, Club Brugge, Anderlecht and Burnley for the £4.3m rated 21-year-old from FC Lausanne-Sport.

And former Hoops’ star Ramon Vega reckons that the experience he picked up in the Swiss top flight makes him perfect for Parkhead. He told The Herald: “Alvyn Sanches is a good prospect, especially for a club like Celtic.

He is a great talent. I have read that Celtic are in the market for a Matt O’Riley replacement. To fill that void will be very difficult. If Celtic signed Sanches now then he could make them a lot of money in resell value in two to three years.”

Elsewhere, Celtic are reportedly keen on a move for Ajax left back Owen Wijndal as they looking to provide competition for Greg Taylor. And the path was cleared for an exit from the Dutch giants earlier this week.

The 24-year-old was dropped to the B team by Francesco Farioli as he looks to clear the decks this summer. Pressed on if he wanted the defender to leave by podcast Tekengeld, the boss said: “The situation is pretty clear. It’s not just us who want to move on players in the market. It was a very difficult decision for me to put him back in the reserve team but the reality is that they are still Ajax players. We don’t know yet if they left at the end of the window or if they will stay with us.”

Atalanta On the Verge of Completing Major Midfield Signing

Atalanta started talks with Udinese for Lazar Samardzic only a few days ago, and it didn’t take them long to strike an agreement. According to Fabrizio Romano, a decisive breakthrough came on Saturday, with the Serbian midfielder on the verge of joining La Dea.

Gian Piero Gasperini has grown tired of waiting for Celtic to relax their stance on Matt O’Riley. Instead, Atalanta and Udinese opened negotiations for Samardzic’s switch to the Gewiss Stadium during the week and almost instantaneously found common ground, with the former agreeing to pay a fee ‘in excess of €20m plus add-ons’ to sign Samardzic.

Barring another last-minute drama, the 22-year-old could become the new Atalanta player by Monday. New Udinese boss Kosta Runjaic omitted Samardzic from his matchday squad for the opening Serie A round as the Friulians head to Renato Dall’Ara to take on Bologna on Sunday afternoon.

The ex-RB Leipzig man should undergo his Atalanta medical later in the day before penning a contract at the Gewiss Stadium. After his move to Inter collapsed at the 11th hour a year ago, Samardzic emerged as a potential candidate to reinforce Milan’s midfield this summer. However, Atalanta have hijacked Rossoneri’s attempt to land the Serbian.

Samardzic’s wasn’t Gasperini’s first option. Yet, Atalanta couldn’t convince Celtic to sell O’Riley despite lodging four offers for the highly-rated midfielder. Samardzic is a decent fallback option, especially as he boasts a wealth of Serie A experience after three years at Udinese.

Serie A side Atalanta have had a very public pursuit of Matt O’Riley over the last month or so, making as many as five offers for the Celtic player.

The Scottish champions have rejected every single one, setting the bar high on their valuation of O’Riley.

That stance appears to have paid off with reports from Italy indicating they have given up on the midfield star to sign Lazar Samardzic from Udinese.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Samardzic will undergo a medical this weekend before sealing a transfer move worth in excess of €20m.

Atalanta had already offered more than that for O’Riley but fell short of Celtic’s expectations, so have apparently turned their attention to a cheaper player in the same position.

Celtic hardline stance provides hope of an O’Riley stay

The Italians have been the most serious suitors for O’Riley’s signature this summer so if they have indeed pulled out it’s a big moment.

It will spark hope that Celtic supporters get to see O’Riley in green and white for another 12 months, which could be huge for the Bhoys’ trophy chase and European ambitions.

Brighton and other English teams are still lurking, however, so there’s still a chance of a late-August move for the Danish international.

However, even the Seagulls have made a move for attacking option Brahan Gruda in recent days, so the status of their O’Riley pursuit is up in the air, too.

We can’t say for certain we’ll hold on to the 23-year-old, but it certainly looks a little more promising than it did this time last month.

Report: Young midfielder rejects Spurs in favour of a move to another London club

Football Insider claim that Celtic starlet Daniel Kelly has rejected Tottenham’s advances and has decided to join Millwall instead ahead of the new season.

Tottenham have been busy in the transfer market

Spurs have secured a number of talented young players recently, with Lucas Bergvall, Yang Min-hyuk and Archie Gray arriving through the door at Hotspur Way.

According to Football Insider, the Lilywhites also tried to poach another talented young 18-year-old from Scotland but their efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.

Kelly, who enjoyed a breakout season at Celtic last term, making 28 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ men, was allegedly sought-after by both Spurs and German champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Daniel Kelly chooses Millwall over Tottenham

However, the report says that the teenager has snubbed the Premier League side as well as the Bundesliga outfit, deciding to sign with Millwall instead.

The report explains that the central midfielder did this to ensure a quicker pathway to the first-team, with the Scotland Under-19 international hoping to make a mark in the Championship this season.

Kelly will link up with former Tottenham defender, Japhet Tanganga, this season after the centre-back left Spurs on a free to join Millwall.

Spurs Web Opinion

Postecoglou will have likely had some input on Tottenham’s pursuit of Kelly as the Australian would have been aware of the young midfielder from his time at Celtic.

Spurs will likely keep a close eye on the 18-year-old’s progress over the next 12 months ahead of a potential move next summer.

Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Celtic transfer news bulletin as Owen Beck high on wish list, 3 more positions targeted and Kuhn relishes Idah reunion

Owen Beck is still a live option while the Hoops have 3 other positions they want to strengthen

Owen Beck of Liverpool (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Celtic remain on the trail of Liverpool’s Owen Beck.

The Hoops have been in talks over signing the Welsh defender they tired to get on board in January. Beck, who impressed on loan at Dundee in the first half of last season, remains one of the main names on boss Brendan Rodgers’ wish list for the left-back slot. Liverpool could be willing to sell Beck if the price is right although a loan also remains an option for the Hoops. Rodgers is keen to provide a challenge to Greg Taylor at left-back and tried to land Beck in January. But his move was scuppered by then Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp.

The German gaffer recalled Beck from his loan at Dundee at the turn of the year when he faced a defensive injury crisis. Klopp then gave the 22-year-old his Liverpool debut, which meant he could not play for a third club in the season.

Beck, instead, returned to Dens Park but his second spell with Tony Docherty’s side was wrecked by injury. However, Celtic would face competition to land Beck from English Championship sides Middlesbrough and Leeds. Celtic have expressed an interest in Ajax defender Owen Wijndal, who is also a target for Werder Bremen

Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels is also on Celtic’s wanted list but it is more likely to happen if Matt O’Riley is sold. So far no one has come close to his valuation. A winger, left-sided centre half and another striker is also on Rodgers’ wanted list.

Meanwhile Nicolas Kuhn says Celtic want to make amends for their League Cup slip-up last season by lifting the trophy – along with the Treble. The German winger wasn’t at the club when Brendan Rodgers’ men crashed out at the hands of Kilmarnock a year ago.

After arriving in January, Kuhn played his part in the Double as the Hoops won the Premiership and Scottish Cup. But ahead of Sunday’s second-round clash with Hibs at home, the 24-year-old insists Celtic want all three pieces of silverware.

Kuhn said: “There is a lot of motivation within the squad to do well in every competition this season – starting with this one. That’s the target for us. We’re looking forward to going into this game with a lot of energy and hopefully getting a win.”

Celtic have been boosted by the return of Adam Idah, who signed on loan at the same time as Kuhn last season. The Irish striker is back on a permanent deal after a £9.5million move from Norwich City.

He’s set to start against Hibs, with Kyogo Furuhashi injured. Kuhn said: “I’m so happy to see Adam back because we had a good time together last season. We all hoped he would return and it’s great to see him make the move permanently. Adam offers a lot to us. He is a different type of striker and he scored so many big goals in important games for us.

“It’s always good to have more quality in the squad and he is also a big character in the changing room. Adam is fun to be around.”

Kuhn has started the domestic campaign superbly but admits he can’t wait for the Hoops’ Champions League bid to get underway next month. And the former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig wide man said: “There are a lot of great teams we could draw. I wish we could play them all. But it would be nice to maybe play against Leipzig or Bayern Munich, two of my former clubs.”

Hannibal transfer update as Celtic targets wants to leave Man Utd

Rumoured Celtic target Hannibal Mejbri has requested to LEAVE Manchester United, according to reports in Tunisia.

Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal controls the ball against Hannibal Mejbri of Manchester United during a pre-season friendly match at SoFi Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The midfielder hit out at his contracted club in an interview last week, demanding more game time and indicating that he would like to seek a move.

It now appears that the Red Devils are willing to let the midfielder leave, but only on a permanent deal, and with his transfer value sitting at around £7.5m, could the deal be off the cards for the Scottish champions?

Last season, he left for Sevilla on loan in January but his spell in La Liga didn’t go as planned. They had an option to buy the midfielder for £20m up front but declined to make an offer after the loanee reportedly got into a bust-up with one of his team-mates.

Since returning to Manchester, he has still been searching for a move. With him failing to make the United squad against Fulham on the opening day of the Premier League season, time looks to be running out if he is to find regular football this campaign.

Celtic reportedly remain interested in the 21-year-old, with theRangers also keen on him. Considering Sevilla were being asked for upwards of £20m in total for a permanent deal just a few months ago, that £7.5m may now look like a fantastic bargain for the Scottish clubs.

United are not interested in sending him out on another loan, as with just a single year left on his contract, they now look to be attempting to cash in before he can leave for free.

Meanwhile, Elena Sadiku says that she is looking forward to being tested in Celtic FC Women’s game against Glasgow City.

Fabrizio Romano – Atalanta sign midfield star, fee in excess of €20m plus add-ons

Keeping hold of Matt while adding a few more faces would see this go down as our most successful window in years.

First things first, we need new signings, a minimum of three new faces is required. A centre back, a left back and a versatile attacker would be ideal and would help us greatly in the challenge ahead this campaign, particularly in Europe.

However keeping Matt O’Riley would prove to be just as important as any new face arriving at Celtic Park. I’m not saying that would excuse a lack of transfer activity from our custodians, as it wouldn’t. We desperately need fresh faces in the squad, and if we managed to do just that and keep Matt it would have to go down as a very successful window, our best in many a year.

Matt is a superb player and will only get better. He’s a vital part of our team and fits well into Brendan’s system and keeping him will only make us stronger in our quest to be successful this season. And by that I don’t just mean domestically, but in the Champions League also.

I’m not saying we will go far in the Champions League, that would be somewhat ridiculous, but maybe just maybe we could compete a little better than we previously have and actually getting through the group stages. That would have to be seen as major progress.

Keeping Matt is just as important in our ambitions of competing in Europe, do just that and add a couple of new faces and things will be looking a little rosier. If the lowballing tyre-kickers from Atalanta have moved onto other targets after having FIVE lowball bids rejected – none ever meeting the asking price – then they have proved themselves to be time-wasters. Not that we are complaining.

Matt can increase his valuation this season by starring in the Champions League for Celtic. That will also get him a move to a bigger club than Atalanta who have won two trophies in total since the early 1960s.

Fabrizio Romano this evening reports that “Atalanta are set to sign Lazar Samardzić! Deal being sealed as revealed earlier today. Fee in excess of €20m plus add-ons as Samardzić will not travel with Udinese this weekend to undergo medical as new Atalanta player.

⚫️🔵🇷🇸 Atalanta are set to sign Lazar Samardzić! Deal being sealed as revealed earlier today.

Fee in excess of €20m plus add-ons as Samardzić will not travel with Udinese this weekend to undergo medical as new Atalanta player. pic.twitter.com/rSifRUUNkw

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2024

Chris Sutton says £11m Premier League deal shows Celtic have secured a bargain

Depending on who you ask, Celtic have either massively overpaid or completed a fine piece of business.

Was nine goals in 19 games enough to justify a potential £9.5 million outlay. One that could make Adam Idah, presuming those add-ons can be met, the most expensive signing in Celtic’s history?

Well, maintain the form of his ‘immense’ first spell at Parkhead and the answer to that question will be a resounding yes. It wasn’t just the sheer number of goals – Idah averaging one-in-two during his loan spell from Norwich City – but the timing of them that made the Republic of Ireland international such a hit north of the border.

Stoppage time efforts against Hibernian and Motherwell. That dramatic last-gasp winner in the Scottish Cup final against Old Firm rivals Rangers. Without Idah’s intervention, a season which ended in two trophies for Brendan Rodgers’ side could realistically have culminated in none at all.

So former Celtic hitman Chris Sutton – who previously described the slow pace of negotiations as ‘baffling’ – is delighted to see Idah return.

Late, after all, is infinitely better than never.

Chris Sutton delighted by Celtic’s Adam Idah deal

“Idah’s return is a major positive,” Sutton tells the Daily Record. “It’s funny seeing some fans complaining about the £9.5 million fee after demanding the Parkhead board open the purse strings all summer.

“I don’t think it’s a lot of money in the grand scheme of things. If you think back to 2000, the deals for the likes of myself, Neil Lennon and John Hartson would be worth about £13 million when you consider inflation.

“If you look at football inflation, I’d cost about £150m these days!”

Sutton does have a point.

Pretty much every club you could think of have broken their transfer record in the last few years. The game has changed considerably, even in the five years since Celtic stumped up £9 million for Odsonne Edouard.

And after banking considerable sums following the sales of Jota, Liel Abada and Carl Starfelt – and with Matt O’Riley potentially on his way too – it is surely only a good thing that The Hoops are reinvesting those funds back into the playing squad.

Sutton also highlights the £11 million fee Ipswich Town are paying for another striker based in England’s second-tier.

Yes, Sammie Szmodics won the Championship Golden Boot last season with Blackburn Rovers. But, five years older than Idah and with considerably less re-sale potential, Celtic’s deal may represent better pound-for-pound value.

“The money paid for Idah is just the market right now,” adds Sutton, who spoke in similarly positive tones about the return of Paulo Bernardo. “Ipswich Town are shelling out up to £11m to Blackburn Rovers for Idah’s Ireland teammate Sammie Szmodics.

“Idah is younger and has more potential. And you have to think (he) would flourish under a manager like Rodgers, who is renowned for developing players.

“You only have to look at the improvement of Matt O’Riley under his charge.”

Idah was hugely important in double win

Sutton, by his own admission, was not convinced by Idah initially. But after watching him dominate defenders in the Premiership and showcase his new-found heading ability, those concerns quickly dissipated.

“I had concerns about him not using his physical attributes,” the former Aston Villa man explains. “But he came up with the answers. It was telling he started the decider down at Kilmarnock last term and it was one of the best all round centre forward performances I’d seen in a long time.

“Kilmarnock are a big, strong, organised team under Derek McInnes. Yet Idah absolutely bullied them. His hold up play and movement was always okay but I felt he made great strides, even in just a few months under Rodgers, especially in the air.

“Look at his thumping header at Motherwell. He scored another cracker with his head for Ireland in the summer. It’s another part of his game he has improved and will keep improving under Rodgers because there is still scope to get better.”

Celtic have started the Premiership campaign with two wins, six goals and a pair of clean sheets. Rodgers’ side face Hibernian in the Scottish Cup on Sunday

Celtic make first enquiry to sign “top-class” ace; club now open to offers

After an excellent start to their Scottish Premiership campaign, Celtic have reportedly continued their search for a new left-back, making their first enquiry to sign an alternative to Owen Beck.

Celtic transfer news

The Bhoys have started their title defence in style, securing an opening-day thrashing of Kilmarnock, before a 2-0 victory over Hibernian. Even after winning two from two, however, Celtic could still strengthen in the remainder of the transfer window, with doubts over Matt O’Riley’s future potentially leading to a replacement in the next two weeks. If one does arrive, they will join Adam Idah in reinforcing Brendan Rodgers’ attack.

Welcoming the forward, Rodgers told Celtic’s official website: “We are delighted to welcome Adam back to Celtic on a permanent basis and we are so pleased that he has agreed this new five-year contract with the club.

“The club has done brilliantly to secure this long-term deal. We are investing in a player of real quality who will be crucial for us over the next few years. He is a player who already has given us so much, performing fantastically for us on loan and really delivering for the club and our fans last season.”

Now, having solved their striker problem, those in Scotland have reportedly turned their attention towards a left-back reinforcement. According to Sky Sports, Celtic have made their first enquiry to sign Owen Wijndal, with Ajax open to selling the 24-year-old, in what could be an ideal alternative to rumoured target Beck.

The Bhoys have been linked with the Liverpool youngster, but given competition from Leeds United in the race for his signature, Wijndal could emerge as an ideal option.

“Superb” Wijndal would be an impressive coup

Now 25 years old, Wijndal should be in the prime of his career and may now get the chance to finally realise his potential courtesy of Celtic. After spending last season on loan at Royal Antwerp, it doesn’t seem as though the Dutchman has a place in Francesco Farioli’s Ajax side, allowing the Bhoys to potentially swoop in and secure his signature.

If Wijndal does arrive, meanwhile, he will have the job of competing against Greg Taylor to earn a place in Rodgers’ starting side in what would be excellent defensive depth. Described as a “top-class left-back” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig back in 2021, those in Scotland have just two weeks to seal an impressive coup.

A defender capable of making an attacking impact, Celtic would be sealing their transfer window in style by signing Wijndal.

Clubs declare interest in signing Celtic star as key Rangers exit backed on one condition

Latest Celtic and Rangers transfer news and rumours this weekend

Celtic are hoping to win the title once again this season under Brendan Rodgers. They are also aiming to do better in Europe.

As for Rangers, they want to pip their rivals to top spot. Here is a look at some of the latest news and rumours regarding the pair…

Celtic boss Rodgers has said winger Mikey Johnston is attracting interest from elsewhere at the moment. The Hoops have a big decision to make regarding his long-term future at Celtic Park.

In this latest update regarding his situation, the manager said: “I’m open at the moment in terms of where things are at. I gave Mikey his debut back when he was 18 and played him so we’ve got a good relationship and we talk openly.

“I think he’s at the stage, Mikey, where he’ll probably want to play more. But he’s worked hard over pre-season and put himself in a really good position. There are some clubs that have shown interest in him, but we’ll see what happens over the next couple of weeks.”

He added: “He won’t be available for the weekend. He’ll rejoin the training group fairly soon. He had a little problem with his eye socket up a bit deeper back in his face, but hopefully, he’ll be okay fairly soon.”

Johnston, who is 25-years-old, has been on the books at Celtic for his whole career to date. He rose up through the academy ranks of the champions and represented them at various different youth levels as a youngster.

The Republic of Ireland international has made 93 appearances in all competitions and has scored 13 goals. He has also been loaned away to Vitória de Guimarães and West Brom to get game time.

Johnston was a hit with the latter during his temporary spell in England during the second-half of the last campaign. He fired seven goals in 21 matches for the Baggies as they made the play-offs. However, they lost at the semi-finals stage over two legs to eventual winners Southampton and he has since returned to his parent club with his future up in the air now.

Rangers exit verdict

Pundit Leanne Crichton are ‘not in a position’ to sell James Tavernier this summer. The right-back has been a key player at Ibrox over recent years but has been linked with an exit in this window.

Crichton has delivered her verdict on the player on The Go Radio Football Show: “The chat around James Tavernier for example has gone quite quiet. There was a lot of chat about whether he would move on or not, can you imagine before the end of the transfer window that Rangers sell James Tavernier as well?

“At a point where the players on the pitch are not quite good enough and the players that are on the bench are not fit and available, the players that are sidelined don’t appear to be back anytime soon and then you’ve got a player in James Tavernier who’s always fit, always available and always on the teamsheet.

“You can see it happening because that’s the type of decision that would not surprise you at Rangers just now. They’re not in a position to sell him, but they would sell him perhaps to take the money into the club.”

Atalanta admit Matt O’Riley transfer defeat as Italians ‘lose patience’ over Celtic star pursuit

The Serie A side identified the Hoops star as their top target but are said to have now given up

Matt O’Riley

Atalanta have reportedly finally admitted defeat in their bid to land Celtic midfield star Matt O’Riley with the Serie A side said to be on the verge of concluding a deal for their alternative target, Udinese’s Serbia international Lazar Samardzic.

The Italians made FIVE bid for the former Denmark international with the most recent said to be in the region of £23million but the Parkhead side are holding out for more than that. That has seen the Europa League champions “lose patience” with Parkhead powerbrokers and end all interest in the 23-year-old former MK Dons star.

A report on Football Italia claims Atalanta “have decided to drop Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley and instead can conclude their swoop for Udinese and Serbia international star Lazar Samardzic”. O’Riley had been Atalanta’s first choice to replace Juventus-bound Teun Koopmeiners. Samardzic, at 22 – a year younger than O’Riley – is well known to the Bergamo-based club given his time in Serie A.

Samardzic is said to have been left out of Udinese’s squad for their league opener against Bologna with a move imminent. The initial fee is reported to be in the region of £17m but will rise to £23m with various add-ons, making him a cheaper option than O’Riley.

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Rodgers defends Idah price tag and hails ‘great deal’ for striker 

Ireland frontman has re-joined Celtic from Norwich for a fee reported to be worth £8.5million with the potential to rise by £1million more

GOT HIS MAN: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers (left) gives instructions to Celtic’s Adam Idah (centre) during the cinch Premiership match at Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh. Pic: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Brendan Rodgers believes Celtic secured a “great deal” with the purchase of Adam Idah as he thanked the board for showing faith in his call.

Idah has re-joined Celtic from Norwich for a fee reported to be worth £8.5million with the potential to rise by £1million more, after hitting nine goals in 19 matches on loan including a Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final winner.

The figure puts Idah’s transfer in a similar bracket to the club-record fee paid for Odsonne Edouard in 2018 during Rodgers’ first spell in charge.

Many Celtic fans had been concerned over the club’s summer transfer business, which has now seen them replace Joe Hart with Kasper Schmeichel and bring back Idah and Paulo Bernardo following loan spells.

But questions have now been raised over the fee paid to the Canaries.

Rodgers said: “You can never win, can you? I mean, ‘you don’t spend money’, you do spend money, ‘you spend too much’?

“We’ve got a great deal. I know the player that we have here and for me it’s just a case of just getting him moving in the direction that I believe he can move in. He has all the talent, he’s 6ft 3in, quick, strong, his touch is good, he can score goals and he has big moments in big games.

“For me there’s still areas that he can improve on, of course and as a young player that’s what you’d expect, but I really think that whatever money we paid for him, he’s worth every single penny of it. And he’ll demonstrate in the next 24 months that he will be worth a lot more than that.

“I wanted to do everything I could and I thank the board for reaching out and getting Adam here because I think he can really flourish.”

Rodgers had stressed the need for quality over quantity after returning to Celtic last summer while recruitment plans were in place that saw eight players arrive. None of them started in the cup final or in the opening two matches of this season.

“It’s just the attitude to risk,” Rodgers said. “You can sign a player for one, two million pounds, fine. And you might sell them for £10million. But you can sign a player for seven or eight, maybe sell them for 30 to 40.

“It’s the same thing but it’s really trusting the process and trusting a team of people that can work very, very hard and then allowing you to get the players in.

“For example, if you spend £18million and you spend it on nine players, I would hope there’s a possibility to spend £18million on three players.”

Celtic remain in the hunt for new players and their plans will not hinge on the future of Matt O’Riley, who remains the subject of serious interest from Atalanta.

Rodgers said: “We don’t want to lose Matt O’Reilly. But still, we need to strengthen in certain areas. And we have the resource to do that. So, selling players won’t determine what we can bring in.

“The guys here have absolutely been brilliant and as we’ve moved on and connected, it’s been great. But you always have to look to improve.

“Not only that, there are some gaps in our squad where we’re light in terms of numbers, and cover and competition. So, that’s what we have to work very hard to try and achieve by the end of the window.”

Celtic will make a late decision on the fitness of Kyogo Furuhashi for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup tie against Hibernian after the Japanese striker suffered a shoulder problem in last week’s league win at Easter Road. Mikey Johnston will miss out with a facial injury.

Why Idah’s homecoming for Celtic could bring League Cup home

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 23: Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers shakes hands with Adam Idah during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown Training Centre, on May 23, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) (Image: Craig Williamson – SNS Group)

All eyes will be trained on one man this weekend at Celtic Park.

For once it won’t be Kyogo Furuhashi or Matt O’Riley or even Brendan Rodgers himself. Nope, that honour belongs to the £9.5 million man Republic of Ireland and Celtic striker Adam Idah. It’s official Idah is a Celtic player. Did anybody ever doubt, he would be? O ye of little faith.

Idah’s long-awaited homecoming will take place on Sunday at Parkhead against Hibernian in the League Cup as Rodgers’ men go in search of the one piece of silverware the club meekly surrendered last season at the first time of asking in a horror show at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock.

An injury to Japanese talisman Kyogo had the Celtic supporters running around with their heads on fire last weekend, especially after his replacement Mikey Johnston also left the field injured. The 23-year-old attacker is at long last in the building ready to pick up from where he left off last season after his nine goals from January onwards propelled Celtic to a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Never fear, Idah is here.

Rodgers said: “As if by magic! I’m absolutely delighted. People talk about transfer fees and everything else – this is a guy who paid that last year. I’m delighted for him because I think that he’s got huge potential and he showed that last season.

“I was so relaxed when he signed because I knew what his talent was. What you never know sometimes in recruitment is mentality. I think what I have seen in my time here is that he proved to me that he has that big-club mentality. I wanted to do everything that I could – and I thank the board for reaching out and getting Adam here – because I think that over the next two to three years he can really flourish and show all of the quality that he has.

“He’s in an environment where he will improve, he’s shown he can deal with pressure in big moments and I’m really excited for him and for the supporters and team. We’ve got someone back who can help us going forward.”

The player revealed that the humungous transfer fee won’t be an albatross around his neck. His manager feels the same. Rodgers believes that Idah has already repaid the multi-millions by scoring the goals that guaranteed Celtic entry into the Champions League league phase proper. Now Rodgers can’t wait to see what value will be placed upon the players in two years. He also reiterated his plan to have two number-one strikers occupying the number-nine role for Celtic.

Horses for courses? You best believe it. The Irishman said: “You can never win, can you? You don’t spend money, you do spend money or you spend too much money. We’ve got a great deal, and I know the player that we have here. It’s just the case of getting him moving in the direction that I believe he can get to.

“He has all the talent, 6 foot 3, quick and strong, his touch is good and he can score goals. Like I said, he has big moments in big games. For me, there are still areas where he can improve, of course, but you expect that as a young player. I do think whatever money we paid for him, he’s worth every single penny of it. He’ll be worth a lot more than that in 24 months.

“I’ll make it clear that I see both of them as number-one strikers. Kyogo in his time here has been brilliant, he has started the season really well. You cannot rely on someone to play to the highest level 55-60 games a season. We want to go deep in as many competitions as we can. That will take us to that number of games. You can’t have just one striker to do that.

“I felt that I wanted another guy who I could call a number-one striker. That’s what I feel I have, it just depends on the game, the energy, the team and the circumstances around the fixture list. Having those two is a big asset for us.”

Idah’s capture is a sure-fire sign yet that the club means business. Yet as the August 30th transfer deadline looms Rodgers insists there is still so much to do. It’s all about the risk and reward for the Irishman. He revealed that he is targeting signings in the Idah and Nicolas Kuhn ilk as they have speed and power which is vital for the club if they are going to be successful in the new Champions League format.

The 51-year-old explained: “I think for supporters and you look at it from their perspective then what they want from the club is two things. One, is your club well run? So, there is no doubt that Celtic is super well run as a club. The organisation is very good. Two, supporters want to have the best team possible on the pitch. That allows them to skip back to each game and be really excited about watching their team.

“I always think that’s the challenge. That is our challenge. To get to the end of this window and have the very best team that we can possibly have on the field. That’s what we want. That’s what the Celtic supporters want. Hopefully, we can do that. I say hope, I want us to be able to do that.

“It is the attitude to risk. You can sign a player for one or two million and you might sell them for 10 million. You can buy a player at seven or eight million and sell him for thirty or forty million. It’s the same thing. It is all about trusting the process and the team of people who work really hard and allow me to get the players in. The Celtic supporters are deserving of that.

“What they invest worldwide in this team in terms of merchandise and everything is incredible. It is our duty to try and get the best team we possibly can on the field. That inspires them to come and watch their team. That’s what we try to do with the style of football that we play but that will always be elevated by the level of player that you have. That is our notion over the final weeks of the window to look to have a really strong team.

“I think I’ve said before but, for example, if you spend £18 million, and you spend it on nine players, I would hope there’s a possibility to spend 18 on three players. Our model is to bring in young players to develop and improve, but you can bring young players in to develop and improve but at a higher level and then you know a little bit more of what you’re getting maybe and there’s maybe a higher ceiling. You might be able to bring in one more or two more at that level. I think we can do that, it’s just about getting the right player.

“If you look at Adam (Idah) and Nicolas Kuhn in particular then two of the key attributes they possess are power and speed. At that level, it is very important. You can have all the tactical ideas in the game and whatnot but at that level speed and power alongside the technique. That is certainly some of the attributes we would look at in the players we bring in.”

The one blip on Celtic’s campaign last season was the concession of the League Cup trophy on that fateful August day at Rugby Park. Rodgers’ Celtic have come a long way since then. A very long way. It still irks him though that the club coughed up a piece of silverware that shattered his unblemished record of never having lost in a cup competition during his spells as Celtic boss.

Rodgers said: “We were disappointed last season and I think I mentioned it before from my first season I sort of had a ball and chain wrapped around me in terms of winning trophies and everything else. That probably allowed us to break free from that in an indirect way even though we would love to have won it.

“Certainly from that point, we have progressed and developed. The team is in a much better place now. My compass is always looking at training. I look this season at how we’ve been training and how we’ve been working and we’ve been able to take that onto the games.

“This is the next game and it is the most important one. We want to get through. There is no doubt, I’ve always said it and we should set that mentality and target that we want to win every trophy. That is something we know we have to work very hard to do. That starts on Sunday.

“I enjoyed winning the League Cup the first time I was up here. It brings a nice edge early on in the season rather than having to wait until later on in the campaign to win trophies. I thought it was really good. It is an opportunity for you to get your hands on a trophy and be a great part of the history of this club. We want to challenge in every competition that we are in. This is our first one here and I am excited by it.”

Rodgers wants the League Cup trophy to come back home. A glorious debut from Idah on his Celtic Park second homecoming on Sunday could very well see that reality move a step closer.