Celtic
Norwich City working to sign Rakow striker Ante Crnac
Norwich City working to sign Rakow striker Ante Crnac
Norwich City are working on a deal to sign Ante Crnac. (Image: Alamy Stock Photo)
Norwich City are working on a deal to sign Rakow Częstochowa’s Croatian striker Ante Crnac.
Hope is growing that the 20-year-old could become their fifth summer signing and end their pursuit of a striking addition after Adam Idah’s departure.
The deal for the highly rated youngster is around similar numbers that Idah departed Carrow Road to join Celtic permanently last week, and there is growing optimism that a deal could be struck this week.
Crnac, a striker, can also operate across the front line and netted eight goals in 26 matches last season, recording five assists. He has started the current campaign brightly, netting once for Rakow in their opening five games.
He has previously been heavily linked with Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, but City appear to have timed their run to perfection.
The Croat began his career at Moslavina before signing for Dinamo Zagreb where he developed as a teenager without making a senior appearance. He then joined Slaven Belupo in 2022, where he made 56 appearances.
Crnac’s performances then earned him a move to his current club, Rakow, in September 2023 for a fee of €1million. Norwich’s interest in the youngster has been longstanding, and they’ve made their move after a deal to sign Rennes striker Bergot Yildirim fell through last weekend.
Norwich currently have Josh Sargent as their only fit and available natural striking option with Ashley Barnes still sidelined and Ken Aboh poised for an EFL loan to continue his development.
Josh Sargent is Norwich City’s only fit striking option. (Image: Andy Sumner/Focus Images Ltd)
That has upped the intensity of their striker search, with Crnac now their primary target. Johannes Hoff Thorup confirmed at the weekend that their work was continuing.
“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.”
Celtic transfer news latest as Gustaf Lagerbielke set to go Dutch and Kasper Schmeichel reveals Premier League snub
The Swede has failed to make an impact and Dutch side Heerenveen have reportedly held talks over a move
Heerenveen are the new favourites to sign Celtic defensive misfit Gustaf Lagerbielke after reportedly holding talks on Monday.
The Swedish stopper is free to leave Parkhead just a year after joining from Elfsborg and Belgian outfit KV Mechelen were linked. But a report in Germany claim that Dutch outfit Heerenveen have stepped up their pursuit to sign the 24-year-old, who has been capped twice for his country.
Lagerbielke was unable to make the breakthrough under Brendan Rodgers, although he did score the winner against Feyenoord in the Champions League. And, with just over week left of the transfer window, the report by Fussball Transfers said everyone involved is working hard” to take the defender to the Eredivisie. Elsewhere the defender’s fellow Scandinavian, Denmark international keeper Kasper Schmeichel, has revealed how he rejected English Premier League interest to seal his move to Celtic in the summer after leaving Anderlecht.
Speaking to Tipsbladet, he said: “It is true that there was some interest from the English Premier League, and it is always a pat on the back with interest from clubs from such a big league, but I must also be completely honest and say that it was not about clubs at all up at the top of the English table.
“In Anderlecht, I was reminded of how great it is to play for a championship, when last season we lifted the old big club from 11th place and to play for the championship until the last round of play. Such as I also tried with success in Leicester. It’s just me. In a top club like Celtic, who are always chasing trophies, there is a lot at stake in each and every match, and I love the demand that every time you go on the pitch, you must only win.
“Perhaps the coolest thing has been the winning mentality in Celtic, where the biggest point is that we must maintain the hunger to win again and again and again – and I feel that hunger, seriousness and ambition every single day.
Kasper Schmeichel celebrates
“The club’s mindset permeates everything: We have to win the next game – and the next trophy.
“Celtic is just one of the absolute biggest clubs in Great Britain, and when they came on the field, I could immediately feel that I wanted to be here. It is a huge club in so many ways: The history, the trophies, and the aforementioned winning mentality, where it is only about winning – a draw is never enough.
“There is the support at home at Celtic Park with an average of 60,000 and a gigantic passion for the club. And then we noticed in the US this summer that Celtic is a global brand with fans everywhere. At the same time, we are directly in the Champions League, which is the highest level in football.”
Meanwhile, new Motherwell recruit Tawanda Maswanhise will relish being reunited with his old Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers. And the winger hopes to showcase what he learned under the Celtic manager. The 21-year-old had been with the Foxes youth set-up since Under-9s and came through the academy to make his first-team debut in January. He was released in the summer and didn’t play in their first team for Rodgers. But he loved training under the Irishman and is looking forward to seeing him again when their sides meet at Fir Park in October.
He said: “I was always in and out but it was good when I was getting coached by Brendan. He taught me a lot. I’ll have a word with him. Hopefully it’s positive and a little catch-up would be nice. I was a young 18-year-old when he brought me into the team and now I’m 21 I’m a lot faster and a bit smarter.
“It’s been a long process over the summer, training by myself. It’s not been easy going into full-time after having a big break. But it’s been good. I’ve been keeping up with the lads and getting to know them as well.”
Norwich Star Wanted By Celtic, Hull And Portsmouth Slaps In Transfer Request
Celtic, Portsmouth and Hull City target Abu Kamara has handed in a transfer request to force his way out of Norwich City this summer, according to the BBC
The 21-year-old striker made two substitute appearances on the opening weekends of the Championship season.
He spent last season on loan at Portsmouth and played a key role in getting them promoted to the Championship.
John Mousinho is interested in taking him back to Fratton Park and he has also attracted interest from Hull and Celtic.
It has been claimed that the forward is now trying to force his way out of Carrow Road this summer.
He handed in a transfer request with Norwich to try and get out of the club before the window closes.
Kamara wants to move on and he is now putting pressure on the club to agree on a deal to sell him.
He still has a year left on his contract with Norwich holding an option of extending it by one more year.
Rodgers could forget about Kelly in record Celtic swoop for £10m star
The summer transfer window officially slams shut on Friday of next week and this means that Celtic still have a bit of time left to complete their business.
It also means, however, that they are still at risk of losing some of their top talent. In fact, Sky Sports reports that Brighton & Hove Albion have made an offer to sign Matt O’Riley from the Hoops.
In Rodger I trust it’s our wage structure now that’s a the thing that eats into profit big way and can upset the team togetherness you buy a player for ten or more millions the wages for up to £1,000,000 and more we are in spl no big tv money which dwarfs champions league money if a team like Brighton can bid for one of our top players I mediocre club with 20,000 season tickets if that but due to maga bucks tv money ok if O’Riley goes to a team that defends more than open play to be it but I thought he would have fave champions league one more chance cause it might be his last chance I wish him well but thought his aspirations was higher
Celtic held Glasgow talks on Monday over Bhoys exit – Transfer now looking likely
As we edge into the final ten days of the transfer window, it feels like there’s still an awful lot of business possible, and that’s the case with Celtic and others in the Scottish Premiership.
There’s expected to be incomings and outgoings at Brendan Rodgers’ side, and one of the latter is likely to be Gustav Lagerbielke.
Fussball Transfers reports, making it clear it’s according to their own information, that Celtic will ‘most likely’ let the 24-year-old leave before the the window is closed.
SC Heerenveen are very keen, and KV Mechelen also hold an interest, although it’s thought the Eredivisie side are ahead of their Belgian competitors.
According to the report, talks took place in Glasgow on Monday between Lagerbielke, and likely his representatives, and Celtic.
Now there’s an effort on to get the Swedish defender to Dutch football before the window slams shut. Whether he’ll be leaving on a permanent transfer or loan deal is yet to be seen.
That two clubs are tussling for the move can only be a good thing for Celtic.
Celtic could land dream signing for Idah in swoop for “invisible” £10m star
Celtic will be competing in the quarter-final of the League Cup later this year after they beat Scottish Premiership rivals Hibernian 3-1 at Parkhead on Sunday.
The Hoops had already beaten their cup opponents in the top-flight the previous weekend at Easter Road, with goals from Nicolas Kuhn and Callum McGregor securing the win.
Daizen Maeda was tasked with leading the line in the League Cup tie on Sunday and struck twice inside the opening 20 minutes to put his side 2-0 up, before Kuhn scored against them for the second time in as many games to make it 2-0.
One good moment from the second half was the reception the Parkhead crowd gave Adam Idah when the striker came on as a substitute to make his second debut for the club.
The Ireland international recently joined the Bhoys on a permanent deal from Norwich City for a reported fee of £8.5m with a further £1m in add-ons.
He did not get himself a goal in that cameo but it was a little run-out to re-introduce himself to the crowd after his loan spell in Glasgow during the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.
Adam Idah’s loan form for Celtic
It is fair to say that Idah did not arrive at Celtic to much fanfare when the club announced his arrival on a loan from the Canaries at the end of the winter transfer window earlier this year.
The 23-year-old attacker had only scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 115 appearances for Norwich as a centre-forward, which may not have filled supporters with bounds of excitement.
However, you should never judge a player before they have played for their new team and Idah quickly showed that his goalscoring record with the Yellows may have been more to do with his situation there, being behind Teemu Pukki and then Josh Sargent in the pecking order, rather than his quality.
The 6 foot 3 marksman produced an assist on his debut as a substitute against Aberdeen, teeing up Kuhn for an equaliser in a 1-1 draw, and then scored twice in a 2-1 win over Hibernian on his full debut in the next match.
23/24 Premiership
Adam Idah
Appearances
15
Starts
5
Goals
8
Big chances missed
7
Conversion rate
27%
Minutes per goal
76
As you can see in the table above, Idah went on to rack up eight goals in 15 appearances in the Premiership, despite only starting five of those games.
The Irish forward proved that he can find the back of the net on a regular basis in the Scottish top-flight, using his physicality, his movement, and his quality in front of goal to be a constant threat to opposition defences.
Idah also popped up in big moments for the club with a goal in a 3-3 draw with Rangers and a 90th-minute winner in the League Cup final against the Gers at Hampden Park.
Hopefully, the Norwich academy graduate will now enjoy a successful time at the club on a permanent basis and Brendan Rodgers could make a dream signing for Idah by swooping for one of Celtic’s reported transfer targets.
Celtic’s interest in MLS magician
Earlier this month, Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph claimed that the Hoops have Philadelphia Union central midfielder Daniel Gazdag on their radar.
The reporter claimed that the Bhoys have a list of targets to improve their midfield options, potentially to replace Matt O’Riley if he moves on before the end of the month, and the MLS star was one of three named.
Southampton’s Shea Charles and Venezia’s Tanner Tessmann are the other two players who are said to be on the shortlist alongside Gazdag.
The summer transfer window slams shut at the end of this month and this means that the Scottish giants have less than two weeks to get a deal done for a new midfielder.
Sky Sports went on to post an update on Celtic’s pursuit of Gazdag, as they revealed that Turkish side Trabzonspor have held talks over a potential swoop for the Hungary international.
The outlet added that it would also take an offer in the region of £10m to tempt Union into parting ways with the midfield magician this summer.
Why Daniel Gazdag would be a dream for Adam Idah
The 28-year-old star would be a dream for Idah at Parkhead because he is a quality midfielder who can create chances for his teammates whilst also providing a goal threat.
Gazdag produced 1.4 key passes per game and created four ‘big chances’ in 19 starts in the MLS this year, having made 1.7 key passes per match and assisted six goals in 35 outings in 2023.
His creativity has been on show in the Leagues Cup over the last month or so, with three assists – and one goal – in five appearances in the competition.
These statistics show that the right-footed whiz has the quality to be an excellent provider from the middle of the park, which means that he could create plenty of chances for Idah to find the back of the net at Parkhead this season.
Another reason why Gazdag would be a dream signing for the Irishman is that he is a terrific goalscorer from midfield, and that could take a lot of the pressure off the striker to be a consistent scorer – particularly in his first full year at the club when patience may be required.
Daniel Gazdag
2023 MLS
2024 MLS
Appearances
35
21
xG
14.68
13.07
Goals
15
14
xA
6.32
2.66
As you can see in the table above, the Hungarian maestro has fired in an eye-catching 29 goals in 56 appearances in the MLS since the start of 2023, from a central midfield position.
This shows that the Union star, who was described as being “invisible” in the way he ghosts into goalscoring positions by manager Jim Curtin, can provide a huge threat in the final third for the Hoops if he can translate that form over to Scotland.
Therefore, Gazdag would be a dream signing for Idah due to the creativity he could bring to the table to create chances for the striker, as well as the pressure the £10m-rated ace could take off the forward with his goalscoring quality.
What Matt O’Riley has told Celtic as Brighton open talks for club-record deal
EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Brighton have opened talks with Celtic over a deal for midfielder Matt O’Riley.
The Premier League club are looking to push forward and thrash out a deal for the 23-year-old Denmark international.
HITC understands that personal terms have already been discussed and are agreed in principle. Both clubs are now in negotiations over a fee for the midfielder.
Brighton have already submitted an offer for O’Riley this summer but the Seagulls have returned to try and finalise an agreement.
Brighton are confident they are now in pole position for his signature after Atalanta dropped out of the race for O’Riley by refusing to meet their demands. Instead, they struck a £17million deal for Lazar Samardzic.
Matt O’Riley’s stance on leaving Celtic
Despite the interest in his signature, Matt O’Riley has played a part in all three of Celtic‘s matches so far this season, including their 3-1 win over Hibernian on Sunday afternoon.
However, HITC is told that O’Riley has made it clear to Celtic that he wants the chance to leave this month.
Celtic rejected two offers from Atalanta for O’Riley worth around £15million as they were holding out for a bigger fee.
It is understood the Glasgow giants want a club-record fee of £25million plus an additional £5million in add-ons to part ways with O’Riley.
O’Riley has a contract at Celtic Park until 2027 so they are under no pressure to lower their asking price.
Brendan Rodgers told to make 2 Celtic transfer moves but heir to Scott Brown’s throne is at Parkhead right now
Celtic transfer moves have been made already this summer.
A Celtic legend says two positions in particular should be targeted this summer window – but a Scott Brown-style player is already in the ranks.
Frank McAvennie has been watching on this summer, with his former side signing four players in Viljami Sinisalo, Kasper Schmeichel, Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah. Boss Brendan Rodgers wants more before the end of the window though with the likes of Liverpool’s Ben Doak and Dundee’s Luke McCowan linked.
Ex-striker McAvennie believes a midfielder is one area needing bolstered, but he believes current enforcer Tomoki Iwata can play a role similar to what former captain Scott Brown did at Parkhead. He told Football Insider: “I don’t know about him (McCowan).
“Kuhn has come in so he’s that right-wing option, Matt (O’Riley) is is playing central midfield, further up the park. I would still like to see a number six coming in and just holding. Scott Brown and the Australian boy Aaron Mooy who both did a good job for the club.
“I was hoping Iwata would be that and I think Brendan (Rodgers) is looking at that because he’s a good player. He doesn’t lose the ball and he doesn’t mind putting his foot in so I think he could develop into the player that the club need.”
Liam Scales has been the centre-back of choice alongside mainstay Cameron Carter-Vickers. McAvennie reckons another player is needed for the heart of defence, adding: “He’s come in and he hasn’t let Celtic down. For me as a striker, I notice things and he gets too close to the strikers and if somebody gets too close to me I turn them, I can turn them easily.
“He’s got to learn when to go close and when to hang off. But he’s only young, he’s going to learn but I do think we should get a good centre-back in to replace him. We’ve got plenty of games so he will still get a lot of game time.
“I just don’t think he’s ready for the step up yet but that’s not to say that he won’t be six months down the line, a year down the line. At the moment he’s all we’ve got (Maik) Nawrocki keeps getting injured. He’s a good player, you don’t become a Polish international unless you’re a good player but I still think we should bring someone in.”
Celtic linked with free transfer move for Ireland striker
BRISTOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Aaron Connolly of Hull City celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Hull City at Ashton Gate on December 22, 2023 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
Celtic are reportedly keeping tabs on Ireland Internationalist Aaron Connolly. The ex-Brighton forward is available after his contract at Championship side Hull City expired.
According to Football Scotland, Brendan Rodgers is keeping an eye on the availability of the 24-year-old.
It remains to be seen whether Celtic would sanction a move for a player with the profile of Connolly. Given that he’s spent the vast majority of his playing career in England, he would likely have wage expectations that would make a deal unrealistic given his role.
Celtic signed Adam Idah in a deal worth £9.5m last week but the Irishman started from the bench with Daizen Maeda leading the line in the win over Hibs. Kyogo was sidelined with an injury to his shoulder but it appears that the club are comfortable using Maeda through the middle when required.
The manager of the Champions has said that he would like to have three striking options with two first pick players supplemented by a third player for development. Given that Connolly is a year older than Idah, it is unlikely that he would fall into the category of a development player.
Clubs line up to sign former Celtic £25m export
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 03: Jota of Celtic celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Rangers FC at Celtic Park Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
A number of clubs are vying to sign former Celtic star Jota in the final weeks of the transfer window. The 25-year-old has struggled since swapping Scotland for Saudi and it appears that both he and Al Ittihad are keen for parties to part ways.
Reports from France have suggested that a number of teams are keen on the player, namely Rennes and Marseille. However, the major stumbling block for any suitor is the attacker’s wage packet, which is reportedly close to £200k.
🚨 Marseille and Stade Rennais are both targeting a deal to sign Jota from Al-Ittihad. 🇵🇹
(Source: @MohamedTERParis) pic.twitter.com/VOs2XP2Rgw
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 19, 2024
French outlet SportZone claims that Wolves and Sporting Lisbon are vying for the signature of the player with Jorge Mendes pulling the strings.
Jota has made just 22 appearances in all competitions in Saudi, scoring four goals and assisting once. The form and (lack of) adulation in the Saudi Pro League is a far cry from his time at Celtic, where he produced extraordinary moments in the Hoops. During a recent meeting with Celtic fans in Lisbon, Jota said that he wasn’t sure but that he loved Celtic when asked if he was coming back.
During two years in Glasgow, Jota 83 appearances for Celtic as they won five trophies. In those games, he scored 28 goals and assisted on 26 occasions, which resulted in links to a number of clubs.
Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic home and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic among the current Celts and both Lubo and Henrik form his earliest Celtic memories.
Motherwell signing plans chat with Celtic boss Rodgers after prior praise as Rangers hero provides move advice
Tawanda Maswanhise | Motherwell Times
He has signed for Motherwell after time at Leicester City.
Tawanda Maswanhise hopes to catch a word with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers after his move to Motherwell – as he opens up on the potential of an extended Fir Park stay.
The attacker impressed off the bench against Kilmarnock in a 1-0 Premier Sports Cup last 16 win on Sunday, providing a cross for Moses Ebiye to head an extra-time winner home. He joins Stuart Kettlewell’s team after time in the Leicester City academy, where Celtic boss Rodgers was impressed during his time in charge of the Foxes.
Rodgers said in 2021 after including him in his Premier League squad for a match against Man Utd: “He’s a young player I like. I’ve seen him playing for the Under-18s. He’s quick, he’s direct. He’s got a lot of strengths and he’s got a lot of potential, but a lot of work to do.
“Bringing in young players, like we’ve done with Luke before, it gives them the experience. To feel the preparation, to sit on the bench, to see the quality of the players, it gives him a flavour of the level and preparation he needs to be here. That was the idea.”
Motherwell don’t face Celtic until October but Maswanhise wants to show his ex-gaffer how much he has improved while in claret and amber. He said: “I was always in and out but it was good when I was getting coached by Brendan. He taught me a lot to be fair.
“I’ll have a word with him. Hopefully it’s positive and a little catch-up would be nice. I was a young 18-year-old when he brought me into the team and now I am 21. I am a lot faster, stronger and a bit smarter.”
Another helpful voice in helping him get a handle on life at Motherwell was Calvin Bassey. The defender joined Rangers fresh out the Foxes academy, going on to become an Ibrox favourite on their run to the 2022 Europa League final. Rangers then sold him in a deal worth almost £23m to Ajax.
Maswanhise said: “I am good mates with Calvin and his story was quite good. His journey, did well at Rangers, got his move, but it’s been good so far. (He told me) be aware of the shouting from behind, the grief, the physicality here is quite strong. I’ll get used to it.”
Kettlewell was impressed by the forward in bounce matches and training, before handing him a six-month deal with the option to extend. When asked if he wanted to stay at Fir Park past his initial terms, Maswanhise left that in the hands of the manager, as he opened up on his move and a tough introduction in a friendly vs Everton.
He added: “It’s the gaffer’s choice. If he wants to keep me in the team, I want to assist and score goals etc. Hopefully that can go through. It’s been a long process over the summer, training by myself. It’s not been easy coming in, going into full-time after having a big break. But it’s been good, I’ve been keeping up with the lads and getting to know them as well. It’s been good.
“There was a friendly against Everton last week. I got the call the night before the game, playing against top Premier League players. Idrissa Gana Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucouré just running me about, but got there in the end!
“I don’t think Scotland was in mind. I wanted to stay in England, but the options were getting wider as the transfer window opened. My first day or night was that first game so it was a nice welcome. All the players are nice. It’s been good, nobody has given me grief yet so hopefully it stays like this.”
Celtic transfer news bulletin as Matt O’Riley replacement lined up and Hoops ready to resist late Hatate swoops
The latest on O’Riley as Brighton accelerate their interest in the Celtic playmaker
Celtic are braced for Matt O’Riley’s exit after Brighton ramped up the bidding war for the Parkhead playmaker – and they have a contingency plan in place if he does leave.
The English Premier League outfit have made their move to open talks over a £25m plus move for the Denmark international. Celtic won’t allow O’RIley to leave on the cheap after seeing off several attempts rom Serie A Atalanta – with the Italians eventually giving up the chase following a final bid of around £20m. Brighton will have no problems meeting the asking price and the Hoops understand it will be difficult if the 23-year-old is sweet on the switch.
O’Riley has insisted he is in no hurry to leave Celts but has long term ambitions of playing in one of Europe’s major leagues, having already attracted serious attention from Italy, Spain and Germany. Several other clubs in England are also in the hunt but Fabian Hurzeler’s Seagulls have shot to the front of the queue with less than a fortnight remaining in the window. Celts have been anticipating a major move for the star man – and have several alternatives lined up if the midfielder does depart.
Augsburg sensation Arne Engels is near the top of the list and the Hoops have already held tentative talks with representatives of the 20-year-old – who could cost up to £10m. Parkhead chiefs won’t baulk at the fee having already coughed up £8.5m up front for Adam Idah to return to Glasgow, with boss Brendan Rodgers admitted he is determined to channel his transfer kitty into quality rather than quantity.
The Irishman is also looking to hold on to other key men in his squad and the club are looking to resist any offers this summer for Reo Hatate, despite talk down south of interest from Leicester City. The Japan star also has long term hopes of playing in England but is understood to be focused on building his fitness this term after an injury hit campaign last time out. Meanwhile Hoops defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is looking to maintain Celtic’s blistering start to the season and fight for a clean sweep this term.
The USA cap was part of the Treble winning side under Ange Postecoglou and bounce back from injury to claim the Double last time out. Celts roared into the last eight of the Premier Sports Cup wit their win against Hibs at the weekend and Carter-Vickers is out to add the trophy to his collection after missing out 12 months ago.
He said: “Obviously, last season was disappointing in this competition, but every season you want to win every competition. The aims are no different to what they were last season or previous seasons, but it’s definitely one that we want to win this year.
“I think we’re definitely capable of more. We’ve started well, it’s kind of been a continuation from pre-season, but hopefully as the season goes on and we continue to work together, we’ll improve and get better. I
“It’s all good doing it in the first three, four, five games, but I think the key is consistency. If we can maintain that level and improve a little bit throughout the season, then that would be great.”
Carter-Vickers has been thrilled by Celtic’s blistering start to the campaign but warned there is more to come from Rodgers’s men.
He said: “I think so. Our performance so far have been good, as well as the ones in pre-season. It’s early, so for us it’s just about continuing to try to work and try to improve. That’s what we’ve been doing so far, and if we continue doing that we’ll be in a good place.
“Since it’s the manager’s second year now, I think it’s only natural that the more time he gets with the group, the more he can implement the way he wants to play and the way he wants to train and work.
“I think we’re in a good place. We haven’t had any injuries yet, we’re just continuing to crack away and try to get better.”
Dream Wijndal alternative: Celtic working on deal to sign £3m star
Celtic secured their place in the next round of the League Cup on Sunday with a 3-1 win for Brendan Rodgers‘ side against Hibernian at Parkhead.
The Hoops were knocked out of the competition at this time last season by Kilmarnock but ensured that they picked up the win and progressed thanks to two goals from Daizen Maeda and one from Nicolas Kuhn.
It was the second win against Hibernian this month after the two sides had met the previous weekend in the Scottish Premiership, with goals from Nicolas Kuhn and Callum McGregor sealing all three points at Easter Road.
Viljami Sinisalo will have to wait for his debut between the sticks but there was a second debut for Idah, whilst Kasper Schmeichel and Paulo Bernardo had already made their respective debuts earlier this month in the Premiership.
There could be more debuts to come for the Scottish giants over the coming weeks, as the summer transfer window does not officially slam shut until the end of the month.
Rodgers and the club’s recruitment team still have a bit of time left to make further signings for the Hoops, and they reportedly have their eye on a new defender to bolster the squad.
Celtic keen on Premier League full-back
According to Football Insider, Celtic are working on a deal to sign left-back Owen Beck from Liverpool on a permanent deal before the end of the window.
The report claims that the Hoops are hoping to see off competition from a host of clubs in the English Championship to land the full-back’s signature, with Queens Park Rangers named as one of the interested parties.
It states that the Premiership champions want to sign the 22-year-old talent on a permanent basis and that the Premier League giants are looking for a fee within the region of £3m.
Football Insider reveals that the Bhoys are in the market to add another left-back to their squad because Greg Taylor is currently the manager’s only senior option in that position, with Alexandro Bernabei currently out on loan.
The outlet adds that Celtic see Beck as a player with ‘huge’ potential who could come in and provide the Scotland international with competition for his place in the starting XI this season.
However, the Welsh dynamo is not the only left-back on the club’s radar. Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph recently claimed that they are also interested in Ajax’s Owen Wijndal.
The journalist claimed that the Dutch giants are open to cashing in on the left-footed defender and that Celtic have made an initial inquiry about his availability.
Owen Wijndal’s form last season
The 24-year-old defender struggled to nail down a starting position at Ajax in the 2022/23 campaign, with just 15 starts in the Eredivisie, and was sent out on loan to Royal Antwerp last term.
It was a chance for the full-back to go and play regular football week-in-week-out in the Belgian top-flight and he enjoyed a solid season down the left flank.
However, it was not an outstanding year for Wijndal and there may be concerns that he would not come in at Parkhead and offer genuine competition for Taylor.
23/24 season
Owen Wijndal (Pro League)
Greg Taylor (Premiership)
Appearances
29
35
Goals
1
3
Assists
0
4
Big chances created
1
11
Duel success rate
57%
52%
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.6
2.2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, their defensive statistics were similar at league level last term but the Celtic star’s attacking work was vastly superior.
As a dominant team in the Premiership, the club’s full-backs must be able to carry an attacking threat to break down low blocks and it does not appear as though Wijndal does.
His statistics in the Champions League for Antwerp last term are further evidence of that. The Dutchman did not create a single chance for his teammates in six outings in the competition, with zero key passes in five starts.
His form in Europe and domestically for the Belgian outfit suggests that Wijndal would not offer much in possession for the Hoops, which is not ideal when Taylor has the quality to be a difference-maker in the final third.
Beck would be a dream alternative to Wijndal as a £3m signing from Liverpool due to his Premiership experience and attacking quality from left-back.
What Owen Beck could bring to Liverpool
Whilst the 24-year-old Dutchman struggled to provide much creativity down the left flank for Antwerp last season, Beck spent the year on loan at Dundee and provided a big presence at the top end of the pitch.
Liverpool sent the young defender out on loan to the Premiership and he proved his quality in and out of possession throughout the season, earning himself a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.
This means that Celtic would be signing a player who has already shown that he can compete week-in-week-out in the Scottish top-flight, whereas Wijndal has no prior experience in the division, and this suggests that the Welshman could hit the ground running at Parkhead.
The 22-year-old, who was once described as a “spectacular” left-back by talent scout Jacek Kulig, made an impact in the final third with 2.3 key passes per game and six ‘big chances’ created in 25 league outings.
23/24 season
Owen Wijndal (Pro League)
Owen Beck (Premiership)
Appearances
29
25
Goals
1
2
Key passes per game
0.6
2.3
Assists
0
4
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.6
3.9
Duel success rate
57%
55%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Beck has the ability to offer far more than Wijndal in possession due to his ability to score goals and create chances from a left-back position.
He also made 1.3 more tackles and interceptions per game last term, whilst winning a similar percentage of his physical duels, and this suggests that Beck could win possession back more frequently through tackles and interceptions for Celtic.
Therefore, the £3m-rated star could be a dream alternative to the Ajax defender because of his Premiership experience, defensive work, and attacking quality, which is why Rodgers must push for this deal to be completed this month.
Fee Agreed As Celtic Man Heads To Championship
Celtic midfielder Daniel Kelly will move to Millwall this week, with a fee now agreed between the two clubs.
According to the Daily Record, Kelly is set to move to the Lions despite being offered a new deal to stay. Brendan Rodgers is believed to have been willing to increase the teenager’s wages by £5,000 per week, but that won’t be enough to convince him to stay in the SPFL.
It was revealed earlier this week he had agreed a move to Millwall in January. “Dan has agreed to join the club. A deal has been agreed and he has signed. He officially joins us in January,” Lions boss Neil Harris said on Tuesday. “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.”
Instead, he’s now set to move to London this week, where the struggling Lions will pay around £400,000 plus add-ons to secure his early release. While the youngster signed a pre-contract with Neil Harris’s side this week with a view to a January move, he was set to play out the rest of his contract in the Lowland League with Celtic B. Millwall now want to speed up the process, hence the freshly-agreed terms.
After a tough start to the season, Harris clearly feels he needs the player sooner rather than later. It’s reported he is now in London, with a medical scheduled for the next couple of days. Representatives of the Lions are hoping that Kelly will be able to face Hull City in the Championship next weekend.
It’s been a frustrating summer for the player. He came through the youth ranks at Parkhead and has played for Scotland’s Under 19 side, but he turned down a fresh deal and was farmed out to play for their B team. This came after he broke into the first team picture last season, scoring in the 7-1 victory against Dundee in February.
Writer’s View
Kelly is a special talent who has had to make a big decision around his future. Hailing from East Kilbride, you could be forgiven for thinking that Celtic and Scotland would be the best place for him to develop, but he’s seemingly set on the bottom end of the Championship with Millwall.
They’ve made a big call also. £400,000 is not a small amount of money for a player they would have got much cheaper in January, but Harris might be a manager under pressure right now, given their poor start to the season. Perhaps he sees the central midfielder as a key part of his battle against relegation, which is where it feels the Lions might be fighting this season.
Millwall are now set to have a medical for Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga, according to a report from Football Insider. The Spurs defender was recalled from his loan spell at German club Augsburg today and is now set to spend the remainder of the campaign at Millwall after a…
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