SPFL side lined up for American takeover as move for forgotten Celtic man ‘collapses’ after exit talks

SPFL side lined up for American takeover as move for forgotten Celtic man ‘collapses’ after exit talks

Hearts and Hibs’ Scottish Premiership rivals could be the subject of huge financial investment

By Davinchi Saint

Scottish Premiership strugglers St Johnstone could be the subject of a takeover from a wealthy American investor, according to reports.

SunSport understands that Saints owner Geoff Brown has held positive discussions with a trans-Atlantic based investor and a deal could be completed by the end of the season.

Saints’ suitor – who comes from a successful legal background – took in the games against Ross County and Hearts with associates earlier this month.

Discussions are progressing nicely and negotiations are now at the point where the SFA have been alerted to the potential of new foreign investment. However, as of yet a concrete deal has not yet been agreed.

Brown revealed that he would part with his majority stake 14 months ago. The housebuilder has been at the helm for 38 years, dragging the club from the old Second Division to the top flight.

The 80-year-old also oversaw their move from dilapidated Muirton Park to their current McDiarmid Park home in 1989. Since making this move the club has gone on to achieve further success.

In 2013/14, the club lifted the Scottish Cup title for the first time – less than a decade later they celebrated further success lifting both the Scottish Cup and League Cup double in 2020/21.

Transfer for forgotten Celtic man ‘collapses’ after he jets out for talks

Out-of-favour Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi’s proposed loan move to HJK Helsinki has collapsed, according to reports from Football Insider.

HJK are admirers of Kobayashi and were keen to secure a move this month.  The Finnish transfer window is open from now until April and negotiations were believed to be progressing well.

But those talks have since broken down with the player now returning to training with his Hoops teammates, according to transfer guru Peter O’Rourke

The 23-year-old has been a peripheral figure at Parkhead and has made just one matchday squad this season.

He has made just five seven team appearances all together since his arrival in January 2023 – but is yet to make an appearance for current boss Brendan Rodgers, who succeeded Ange Postecoglou last summer.

 

 

 

Sold for record fee: Celtic hit the jackpot with “idol” whose value’s plummeted £17M – opinion 

This former Celtic “idol” has seen their value plummet by £17m

The Hoops hit the jackpot when they decided to cash in on the talented whiz.

Celtic have struck gold in the transfer market many times over the years as they have sold the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Fraser Forster, Odsonne Edouard, and Victor Wanyama, among others, for profit.

The Hoops have made a habit out of plucking out talented young players and helping them to develop and thrive in Scotland before cashing in on them further down the line.

They may hope that some of Brendan Rodgers’ current crop of gems, including Matt O’Riley and Luis Palma, will go on to earn the club a fortune if they continue to progress and increase in value.

One player the Bhoys hit the jackpot with, recently, was Portuguese winger Jota, who they appear to have sold at the best time as his value has plummeted since departing from Parkhead.

How much did Celtic receive for Jota

The Scottish giants cashed in on the forward last summer in a deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad that Sky Sports reported to be worth £25m, which is the joint-record sale for the club alongside the £25m move to Arsenal for Kieran Tierney.

That move came just 12 months on from the club’s swoop to sign Jota from Benfica for a fee of £6.5m, after an initial season-long loan spell in Glasgow.

Jota

Premiership – 21/22

Premiership – 22/23

Appearances

29

33

Goals

Ten

11

Assists

Ten

11

Big chances created

17

13

Sofascore rating

7.56

7.45

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the right-footed winger provided a constant threat down the flank as both a scorer and a creator of goals – in equal measure – in the Scottish Premiership.

Jota, who was hailed as Parkhead’s “idol” by scout Jacek Kulig, proved himself to be a fantastic performer on a consistent basis, as evidenced by his fantastic returns in front of goal, and that convinced Al Ittihad to splash a mouth-watering fee of £25m to secure his services last summer.

Jota’s plummeting market value

 

Unfortunately, the 24-year-old gem’s time with the Saudi Arabian side has been a frustrating one as he was left out of their squad for the Saudi Pro League in September.

There is a restriction on the number of foreign players allowed to be selected and then-manager Nuno Espirito Santo opted to omit him from the roster.

Due to that, Jota has only made 11 appearances in all competitions for his new club since last summer, with five of those coming in the Pro League before they left him out of the squad, and he has contributed with two goals and zero assists.

At the time of writing (20/02/2024), Transfermarkt has his market value at just €9m (£7.7m) and that is a staggering drop of £17.3m from the £25m that Al Ittihad paid for his signature just last year.

This shows that Celtic hit the jackpot last summer when they secured that fee for him as his value has since plummeted, which suggests that the Saudi Arabian side would be unlikely to recoup £25m if they decided to sell him now.

However, new Al Ittihad boss Marcelo Gallardo has reportedly decided to include Jota in his squad for the Saudi Pro League, which is due to resume later this month, and that put an end to January interest from West Ham United.

Hopefully, Jota will now be able to string together a run of impressive form for his club and claw back his market value to either earn a move back to Europe or enjoy a successful time in Saudi Arabia

9 Celtic alarm bells sparking title race dread amid uncomfortable Kyogo truth and muddled transfer approach

Celtic are coming under fire again after a weekend where they dropped more points.

By Ben Banks

The boos rained down on Saturday and title race pressure is cranking up on Brendan Rodgers and Celtic.

A 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock at the weekend handed Rangers a golden opportunity to go top. They did so with a 3-0 win at St Johnstone as they jumped to first for the first time under Philippe Clement.

Scratch beneath the surface though and the boos heard at the end of Saturday’s game were not just pent up frustrations over one game. This goes back weeks, months, and for some its years.

Celtic and their board have criticisms this season. From European performance to lack of spending in the transfer market, there have been few places to hide when it comes to the champions.

Now the pressure is at fever pitch, there are some fears stronger than others. Glasgow World runs through nine problems running deep for fans and how they could impact who wins the league come May.

1. Recruitment strategy

Rodgers made the plea for quality in the build-up to January and he got two players. One is a loan striker with a point to prove, the other working his stock back up after time in big academies like Bayern Munich. Fans wanted experienced guys for the here and now but over the course of January and the summer, didn’t seem to get it.

2. Injury woes

Cameron Carter-Vickers is the rock of this team and has never really been fit for a lengthy run of games. Reo Hatate has been another main man toiling, with absences for Greg Taylor and Daizen Maeda also proving costly this term. Getting the strongest XI available to Rodgers ready for action would go a long way.

3. The Abada situation

Celtic and the Israeli winger look set to go their separate ways, as Rodgers admits Abada isn’t in the right frame of mind to play for the club as things stand. MLS clubs are keen but if a deal can’t be struck, they are left managing a star not wanting to be there, as reports claim he is ‘keen’ to move. Photo: Craig Williamson – SNS Group

4. The cull club

Improvements will need to be made to this Celtic squad in the summer, but they might have a challenge in getting rid of some of those already on the books. Sead Haksabanovic will return from Stoke City this summer, and takes a wage slot alongside the likes of Yuki Kobayashi, Gustaf Lagerbielke, James McCarthy, Mikey Johnston and Marco Tilio, who can’t get a look-in.

Celtic Exclusive: Yuki Kobayashi exploring new move after deal collapses – Sources

 

Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi is exploring other out-of-window moves after his transfer to HJK Helsinki collapsed, sources have told Football Insider.

As revealed by Football Insider (19 February), the 23-year-old’s move to the Finnish side broke down after being given the green light by the Hoops to move.

Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that Brendan Roders’ side have said he is free to find a new club.

Can Yuki Kobayashi find his way out of Celtic after his move to HJK Helsinki fell through?

It is believed that Kobayashi is not in the manager’s plans at Parkhead after his arrival in January last year.

Now, he is actively seeking an exit from Celtic amid his lack of game time.

The centre-back is yet to make a single appearance for the Hoops this season and has only made the matchday squad on one occasion – their 1-0 win against Rangers in September.

He moved to the Glasgow giants from Japanese side Vissel Kobe on a five-and-a-half-year deal but has made just seven total appearances since his arrival.

He featured sporadically last season under former boss Ange Postecoglou, having made just six starts in all competitions.

Join the Football Insider WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.

Helsinki were eager to sign Kobayashi and he even flew out to the club for talks, but the move fell through.

Celtic have slipped to second in the league after dropping points in their 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock on Saturday (17 February).

They are next in action against Motherwell away from home on Sunday afternoon (25 February).

In other news, Celtic Exclusive: Senior man ‘tempted’ by Premier League offer

 

 

Brendan Rodgers: Big update on manager’s future at Celtic after dramatic twist – sources

O’Rourke Exclusive: Big update on Rodgers & Celtic

Pete O’Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Celtic are not set to make a knee-jerk reaction on the future of Brendan Rodgers despite falling behind Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race, sources have told Football Insider.

The Gers are now in the box seat to lift the title after moving two points clear of their Old Firm rivals on Sunday (18 February) following a series of dramatic results.

 

Celtic drew 1-1 against Kilmarnock on Saturday (17 February) to give Rangers the upper hand in the fight for the title.

That development has prompted an inquest at Parkhead as Rodgers as club chiefs try to determine the cause of their recent slump.

Rodgers facing Celtic sack after Rangers title resurgence?
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that there is not likely to be any movement on the 51-year-old’s role before the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Two more Old Firm clashes remain this term and Celtic will be confident about their chances having won the first two encounters last year.

Join the Football Insider WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.
Rodgers replaced now-Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou in the Parkhead hot seat last summer (2023).

He returned to Glasgow after a hugely successful first stint at Celtic – during which he won trebles in back-to-back seasons.

The Northern Irishman has won 22 of a possible 35 games in all competitions since his return.

Celtic bowed out of the Champions League this term with just one group-stage win and are without European football for the remainder of the campaign.

Rodgers’ side are next in action against Motherwell on Sunday (25 February).

The next clash with Rangers is scheduled for 7 April.

In other news, expert claims Celtic and Rangers are untouchable as uncovered documents reveal £26million payout.

 

 

Celtic make transfer demand over star heading for Parkhead exit as agent jets in with departure ‘close’

The Celtic star looks poised to leave the club after a Brendan Rodgers transfer admission.

Celtic have made their transfer intentions clear over Liel Abada, according to reports.

The winger looks set to leave the Hoops, having been with them since the summer of 2021. Boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the Israeli star is not in the right frame of mind to compete for Celtic right now, amid the conflict between his homeland and Hamas.

Reports had emerged that MLS clubs are keen to sign him, with Rodgers also admitting Abada might need to move. And Sport5 claim Abada’s agent is jetting into Glasgow for crucial talks, the outlet insisting ‘there is a problem with the transfer fee that Celtic demands.’

The Hoops are not said to be interested in a loan move but a departure ‘is indeed close.’ Rodgers said last week: “I’m really empathetic towards the issue that he has.

“It’s more than football, it’s at a human level and we have to respect that.

He’s training, he’s working but as I said it’s all about the mind and if you’re not quite right or ready then I can’t take any risk with him and protect the squad as well.

 

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“People can talk about what’s going on there and then forget about it but that’s the reality for him – that’s his life. Every day and night, families in a war. So it’s a really tough situation for him and on a human level I have empathy for him.

 

“It’s my job and we’ll do that as I have with a number of players before, take the human aspect, and look after him. When he’s ready, if he’s ever ready, he’ll give us everything.

“Might he have to look for a move or a loan? It’s a possibility, we’ll see. We’ll work together on it.”

 

Brendan Rodgers and Graeme Stewart will go head to head Today at Celtic Park.Brendan

Rodgers and Graeme Stewart will go head to head on Sunday at Celtic Park.

And what every part-time player in senior football dreams of.

An away draw in the cup at the home of one of the two biggest clubs in Scotland. (I am not going to differentiate between Celtic and Rangers for the fear of ‘reprisals’)

For the players, there is the buzz and adrenaline rush of walking out in front of more than 30,000 fans, possibly more, at Celtic Park, one of the iconic stadiums in the country.

Thousands Swear By the Productivity Principle in “The 80/20 Principle” Book. I Gave It a Go.

Thousands Swear By the Productivity Principle in “The 80/20 Principle” Book. I Gave It a Go.

Thousands swear by the tips in the “80/20 Principle” book. I gave it a go to see what all the fuss was about.
Blinkist: 29 Million Users. 4.8 Star Ratings. 7 Day Free…

Many of the Buckie players are Celtic fans and will be going toe to toe with their heroes.

But for 90 minutes they will put their adulation to one side and look to give the Scottish giants a real fright.

 

At the end they will look to swap shirts with the players they have, for so long, admired from afar, as supporters and TV watchers.

For the fans who watch their team week in, week out in the Highland League, this is a reward for their loyalty, and it is a great day out for others who will make the journey to cheer on the Jags, maybe for the first time, or the first time in years.

For the directors, committee members and volunteers who have kept the club running over the years, decades for some individuals, this is a day to relax, soak up the warm welcome they will undoubtedly from Celtic, maybe enjoy a little well-earned hospitality, and see their team on the big stage.

It is a well-worn cliché, but the club are ‘Already winners’ in a financial sense, with more than £200,000 set to bolster the Victoria Park coffers.

If Buckie can score, the noise from the 3,000 or so Buckie fans will reverberate around Celtic Park.

And if the Jags ‘go steaming in’ and give Brendan Rodgers side a real scare on the day, or cause one of the biggest upsets in Scottish Cup history, they will be dancing in the streets of Buckie for years to come.

The odds are that Celtic, like they have done so often this season to teams in the Scottish Premiership, will dominate in their own backyard and Buckie Thistle’s players will have to work like Trojans, and run and battle all afternoon to repel the threat.

Buckie are one of the most attack-minded teams in the Highland League and it is unlikely that manager Graeme Stewart will completely abandon his attacking principles just because they are playing Celtic.

Neither will he abandon his animated style of management from the technical area. The Celtic fans closest to the dugouts are in for a treat.

However, reality and the natural order of things, will ensure the Jags will spend much of the time in defensive mode, while trying to hit Celtic on the counter attack.

Buckie will look to stay in the game for as long as possible and frustrate the champions.

The Celtic players are not superhuman, they are all very good footballers, but they are there to be shot at.

Buckie fans – dare to dream. Why not?

Our editorial team of Craig Christie, Jonny Clark, Daniel Forsyth and Beth Taylor will be there to cover the match and the occasion for The Northern Scot and our sister paper The Banffshire Advertiser.

I will be in the away end with the Buckie fans, looking to enjoy the experience and soak up the joy from the travelling green and white army.

I have enjoyed visiting Victoria Park for more than three decades through good times and lean years too.

They are a smashing club and under the leadership of Graeme Stewart and Lewis MacKinnon have become one of the top teams in the Highland League and they are certainly the best supported.

 

 

 

Rab Douglas recalls Celtic magic of the cup ahead of Buckie

 

Ange Postecoglou was impressed by how £164,000-a-week Tottenham star played vs Celtic

Ange Postecoglou did not hesitate when Tottenham Hotspur had the chance to sign Timo Werner, having watched him in action against his former club Celtic.

That is according to Football.London, which has shared how receptive Tottenham head coach Postecoglou was to the idea of bringing former Chelsea forward to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

So, what has been reported about Timo Werner and Ange Postecoglou? Let’s take a look.

Ange Postecoglou rates Timo Werner highly
Well, earlier this month, Tottenham Hotspur signed Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.

The North London club secured the services of the £164,000-a-week (SalarySport) Germany international forward on loan until the end of the season.

Werner has already made his debut for Tottenham, who have the option to make his loan deal permanent in the summer of 2024. The 27-year-old started against Manchester United and impressed Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Football.London has now reported that Postecoglou did not hesitate when Spurs Technical Director Johan Lange pushed the signing of Werner.

Timo Werner
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
The report has claimed that Postecoglou “agreed that he would fit into his system well after seeing first hand how the 27-year-old had given his Celtic team all kinds of problems with RB Leipzig”.

 

MORE TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STORIES

On October 5, 2022, RB Leipzig beat Celtic 3-1 in Germany in the UEFA Champions League. Werner started the match for the German club.

Then the following week, Leipzig won 2-0 against Celtic at Celtic Park. Werner scored in the 75th minute.

My View: Timo Werner a no-risk signing for Spurs
In my opinion, Timo Werner is a ‘no-risk’ signing for Tottenham Hotspur.

It is a loan deal, so if the former Chelsea forward fails to make a huge impact at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming weeks and months, then the North London club could just send him back to RB Leipzig at the end of the season.

I do not think that Werner should be used as a central striker. He is not prolific and misses chances. The German is best used out wide.

Tottenham are very much in the running for the Premier League top four and could even challenge for the title this season.

 

 

BBC man reacts to Celtic target who “ticks all the boxes” at Parkhead

Celtic, top of the Scottish Premiership and on course to seal yet another league title under Brendan Rodgers after he returned last summer, have the opportunity to strengthen even further this month. And whilst they’re reportedly unlikely to land one particular deal, pundit Alan Hutton believes that the Scottish giants should be optimistic ahead of the summer.

Celtic transfer news
With the January window well underway, Celtic have been linked with reinforcements that could help them on their way to a third consecutive league title.

According to reports, Celtic have held talks with Gwangju FC midfielder Jung Ho-Yeon in what could prove to be a shrewd piece of business if all goes well. Meanwhile, the Bhoys have already sealed a deal from elsewhere this month, welcoming Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna.

 

After signing on the dotted line, Kuhn said: “Celtic is one of the biggest clubs around and I’m really happy to be here. At Celtic, it’s about doing all we can to win every game, so that is the challenge here. I can’t wait to get going and do my very best for our supporters.”

Tommy-conway-bristol-city

Celtic are now interested in winning race to sign Tommy Conway
A player that Rodgers may not be able to welcome with open arms this month, however, is Caoimhin Kelleher.

According to reports, Liverpool will reject any bids for Kelleher this month, but Hutton believes that Celtic should be optimistic about their chances to secure a summer deal for the target.

 

Talking to Football Insider, the former Premier League full-back and BBC pundit said: “He’s an outstanding goalkeeper. We don’t see too much of him at Liverpool, but when it comes to the cup games, Jurgen Klopp obviously trusts him a lot for him to go and play. Every time I’ve watched him, I think he’s been amazing.

“He’s only 25 years old at this stage, so obviously with the Joe Hart situation, the fans always wanted to see somebody come in and put pressure on him.

I can’t see it happening in January, to be honest, but fans should be more optimistic about it happening in the summer. With his experience at a big football club, he ticks all the boxes. They’ll be looking at him as the long-term replacement.”

“Outstanding” Kelleher could be the perfect Hart replacement
With Hart’s contract set to expire this summer as things stand, Celtic may have no choice but to turn to the market for a fresh face in between the sticks. And they should look no further than Kelleher.

Rooted behind Alisson Becker in the pecking order at Liverpool, mainly thanks to how incredible the Brazilian is, rather than anything against the Celtic target, Kelleher is at somewhat of a crossroads in his career.

 

kelleher-liverpool-celtic-transfer-gossip-livakovic
At 25, it could be the perfect time to bring an end to his Anfield career and instead move on and take a number one spot over a backup role. With experience in cup finals, the Champions League and the Premier League already under his belt, he could be the perfect long-term replacement for Hart.

Although a deal seems unlikely this month, Celtic should swoop in this summer to sign the Liverpool shot-stopper, whose need for a number-one spot is growing more and more desperate with each season.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
TRANSFER RUMOURS

Tom is a football writer who has written for a number of websites and newspapers, creating content on everything from non-league, the Premier League and the top five European leagues over the last four years.

Tom is also a Liverpool fan and a University of Brighton student who can often be found on Twitter talking about the Reds.

Rangers stance shared as Leeds eye move to sign “magic” player
A reliable reporter has provided a key update.

borna-barisic-rangers-europa-league-clement
Rangers could lose a “special” player during the January transfer window, with a new transfer report claiming a big English club are eyeing a move for him.

Rangers transfer news
The Gers could delve into the transfer market this month, as Philippe Clement looks to further perfect his squad between now and the end of the season.

A host of different left-backs have been linked with moves to Ibrox, ahead of the possible exit of Ridvan Yilmaz, with Liverpool youngster Owen Beck and Benfica ace David Jurasek among those in the mix to come in.

That isn’t the only position that is being focused on, however, with West Ham right-back Ben Johnson someone who Rangers are fighting other clubs for, as he looks increasingly likely to leave the London Stadium before the month comes to an end.

Leeds want Rangers ace Borna Barisic
According to a new update from Football Scotland’s reliable reporter Mark Hendry, Leeds United are among the clubs interested in signing Rangers left-back Borna Barisic, however, a new contract at Ibrox is also not ruled out. Yilmaz’s exit is also possible, ahead of a potential switch to Galatasaray.

borna-barisic-rangers-scottish-premiership
“Borna Barisic has suitors this month in Leeds United and around Europe in France, Spain and Germany but Gers want him to sign a new contract and have put the question forward for the left-back to consider. Meanwhile another left-back, Ridvan Yilmaz, is still having his future discussed with Hellas Verona wanting the player. Galatasaray reportedly had a bid rejected as Gers look to move him on.”

Barisic has been a brilliant player for Rangers over a significant period of time, racking up a total of 224 appearances for the Scottish Premiership giants, so losing him midway through the season could be a blow, given his experience of title races in the past.

The 31-year-old is also someone who was lauded by Steven Gerrard during his time as Gers manager, with the Liverpool legend hailing a brilliant goal he scored back in 2019:

“It’s a moment of magic. I always felt that it would take a moment of brilliance from one of the front men or wide men, or a really well-executed free-kick. Thankfully Borna stepped up and he deserves all the credit that he gets. I’ve seen him do that many times on the training pitch but it’s alright doing that when nobody’s there. You’ve got to do it in big moments so fair play to him.”

This season, Barisic has started nine league games, invariably sharing playing time with Yilmaz, also winning an average of 1.8 aerial duels per game, and it would be better to keep hold of him for the time being, especially if his fellow left-back moves on.

cameron-pring-bristol-city
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At 31, his best days could be behind him, or may well be in the relatively near future, but he should be seen as a player who can contribute positively between now and May, potentially leaving at the end of the season instead.

 

RANGERS
BORNA BARISIC
TRANSFER FOCUS

Henry is an experienced football writer with a huge passion and knowledge of the game.

With over a decade of writing under his belt, he has been part of Snack Media’s freelance team since 2020. He is also a main contributor for This Is Anfield, one of the world’s biggest Reds-related sites, where he writes features and news, and covers matchday content, from live blogs to the dreaded Player Ratings.

Henry is a Liverpool fan, which you may have guessed, and has also written articles for the Times and the Guardian, as well as featured on the radio on BBC Radio 5 Live and LBC.

Over the years, he has also accumulated nearly 30,000 followers on Twitter and become a known voice on all things Reds.

 

 

Celtic 2 Rangers 3: Instant reaction to the burning issues

Rangers claimed a late win over Celtic in the Sky Sports Cup semi-final..

Rangers sealed their spot in the Sky Sports Cup final after a breathless victory over rivals Celtic.

A bonkers cup tie saw three penalties awarded and a stoppage-time winner in front of enthusiastic split support.

Celtic snatched a lead against the run of play in the second half with Chloe Craig firing home a penalty after a handball against Kathryn Hill.

The Rangers defender made up for her error shortly after though as she forced over the line after a stramash in the box.

With ten minutes left Rangers turned the match on its head as Rio Hardy cut back for Kirsty Maclean who coolly slotted into the bottom corner.

 

With one minute left, though, Celtic were awarded a second penalty, this time Tessel Middag was adjudged to have fouled in the box even if TV replays suggested she got more than a fair touch on the ball. Craig made no mistake to level again.

But Rangers would have the last laugh to seal the win with a penalty of their own after 95 minutes. Caitlin Hayes had pulled down Hardy in the box and the Rangers striker blasted home to win and send her side into the final.

Cruel start for Elena Sadiku

It was always going to go one of two ways for new Celtic boss Elena Sadiku.

Either, a memorable triumph over rivals Rangers in her dugout debut, or a cruel defeat.

However, no one could have called such a difficult defeat with a losing goal coming with seconds left in added time.

Sadiku wants to be the Queen of Queens for Celtic and that could still come to pass, but as evident at the Excelsior there will always be bumps along the way.

Rangers get the job done

With 12 goals in their previous two outings, it was always expected Rangers would score.

Perhaps less predictable would be the somewhat blunt attack as Jo Potter’s side struggled to find a cutting edge.

Multiple opportunities were passed up, and more denied by the impressive Kelsey Daugherty and the Celtic defence.

Importantly, though, Rangers found a way. First, forcing over the line with Hill and then a terrific finish from Maclean.

And when it came to the crucial moment, Hardy made no mistake.

Incredible entertainment

Three penalties, end-to-end stuff no VAR and an intense rivalry thrown into the mix – that sounds like a recipe for entertainment.

Thankfully, that was exactly the case at the Excelsior as Rangers toppled Celtic in a crazy 97 minutes of action in the Sky Sports Cup.

There was a healthy dose of nerves, quality and dubious decisions all making a great advert for women’s football in Scotland with BBC Alba covering the contest live.

Our women’s game is not in the limelight as often as it should be, and an incredible cup tie was just another statement that the product is there.

 

 

“I Would Expect” – Dundee Loan Star Tipped for Celtic Move

Kenny Miller has suggested that Celtic should consider Dundee’s Owen Beck for a potential transfer.

26th December 2023; Dens Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Dundee versus Celtic; Paulo Bernardo of Celtic celebrates with his team mates after he shoots and scores to make it 1-0 in the 52nd minute

Beck, currently on loan from Liverpool, has made a significant impact in the Scottish Premiership, catching Miller’s attention with his performances.

Miller’s endorsement comes at a time when Celtic Rangers are reportedly in the market for reinforcements in the left-back position. Celtic is looking for a player to challenge Greg Taylor, with it clear that Alexandro Bernabei is not of the desired quality. The Portuguese left-back, Arujo, has been heavily linked with the Hoops over the past few weeks.

Speaking on BBC Radio, quoted by Football Scotland, Miller said, “I’m looking forward to seeing Owen Beck today. The games that I’ve seen him this year he’s been absolutely outstanding. This goes again to show the loans and opportunities that can be presented, from the big clubs in England up to Scotland to play.

“I would expect, for me, maybe the big two up here to be having a look at this player. Both of them could do with a player in that area of the pitch and he’s been outstanding.”

He didn’t impress too much during the ninety minutes on boxing day, but he did make the most tackles in the match, playing on the left of a back 5. He looked comfortable enough defensively, but Celtic are looking to add experience and quality to the squad, I don’t think the 21-year-old will fall under that bracket.

 

 

 

Great celebration time “But bad news” Celtic’s best player is seriously injured in…

What a great Win “But bad News” Celtic Top player is seriously injured during…

Glasgow Derby Injury Concern for Celtic

Celtic emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Livingston, a welcome relief following back-to-back defeats.

However, the triumph came with a tinge of concern as right-back Alistair Johnston appeared to suffer an injury towards the end of the match.

He looked to have pulled up injured, making him a concern for the Glasgow Derby next week.

The game saw Kyogo breaking his goal drought. Kyogo found the net, marking an end to his recent period without goals. This strike set the tone for Celtic’s dominance in the match.

Liam Scales doubled Celtic’s lead by heading in a corner from Palma.

Impressively, Palma also played a crucial role in setting up Kyogo’s goal, showcasing his ability to orchestrate key plays.

The Green Brigade returned to the stands for the win. The group made their presence felt for the first time in 13 games after being absent due to a ban.

Hopefully Brendan Rodgers can provide a positive update on the right back.

There’s a lot of frustration”-journalist react to “strange” involving Celtic star

Kyogo Furuhashi now in ‘strange situation’ at Celtic

Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi looks to have been asked to play a different role under Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.

HIGHLIGHTS

 Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi’s goalscoring form under Brendan Rodgers has been “a bit strange” at Parkhead.

 The Japan international has been asked to play a different role, drifting wide and dropping back, affecting his goalscoring form for the Hoops.

 Celtic could look to trim their squad during the 2024 winter transfer window, with Nat Phillips and Alexandro Bernabei preparing for exits.

Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi’s lack of goalscoring form under Brendan Rodgers has is “a bit strange” and has caused “a lot of frustration”, as journalist Dean Jones considers his performances as a whole at Parkhead.

The Hoops have enjoyed a positive start to the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership season, but a recent wobble in results will have created a sense of unease around Celtic Park.

Furuhashi has been operating across the front three for Rodgers’ outfit but hasn’t been utilised as the out-and-out striker he has been used to over the past two seasons. Celtic hope to recover from their early European exit and storm to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s career at Celtic

In the summer of 2021, Celtic signed Furuhashi in a deal worth £4.6m from Vissel Kobe, as then-head coach Ange Postecoglou looked to develop a side capable of challenging for the Scottish Premiership title.

The Hoops had been beaten to the post by Rangers at a canter during the 2020/21 campaign and needed a rebuild to topple their Glasgow neighbours.

The Japan international would score 12 Premiership goals in 20 appearances during his first season at Celtic, helping them win the league title alongside a Viaplay Cup triumph.

Having had issues with his fitness during his debut campaign at Parkhead, Furuhashi would find full fitness in his second, hitting the back of the net 27 times in 36 top-flight outings.

The 28-year-old’s goal contribution led to Postecoglou’s side securing a domestic treble during the 2022/23 campaign before the respected head coach departed south of the border to take the vacant job at Tottenham Hotspur.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Furuhashi has struggled to reach the same levels in front of goal. Before Celtic’s trip to Livingston on 23rd December, the centre-forward had scored eight goals and registered three assists in 25 outings for the Bhoys.

However, Furuhashi has been asked to drift into wide areas and drop back to retrieve the ball under Rodgers, operating differently from how he played under Postecoglou.

In November, Jones told GIVEMESPORT that Celtic would not be concerned by exit rumours surrounding Furuhashi after it emerged that Tottenham had sent their top scout to check on players at Postecoglou’s former club.

Kyogo Furuhashi – Celtic stats (23-12-23)

Appearances

109

Goals

62

Assists

13

Yellow cards

8

Stats according to Transfermarkt

Dean Jones on Kyogo Furuhashi

Jones has suggested that Furuhashi can play a different role under Rodgers but that his goalscoring form will suffer. The journalist claims “a lot of frustration” surrounds the change. Asked about Furuhashi’s form, Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

“It is a bit strange. There’s a lot of frustration around this because you’d wonder why it hasn’t happened for him so far. But I feel like he’s being asked to play differently now. While he does seem capable in football in terms of being decent in the wide areas that he appears to be being forced into a bit more, it’s starting to reflect badly on his stats. That’s the first thing people will point out when looking for somebody to blame.

“I think he is a clever player and can play in the way he’s being asked, even though it might not be natural to him. But when you’re used to scoring or seeing someone score goals, it’s tough to accept a role change in which they’re not doing that as often.”

Celtic transfer news on Nat Phillps and Alexandro Bernabei’s future

 

With the 2024 winter transfer window approaching, Rodgers must consider the future of some of his squad members, who may feel they aren’t getting the opportunities required to stick around at Parkhead.

According to Football Scotland, centre-back Nat Phillips will return to Liverpool following his loan at Celtic next month.

The 26-year-old joined the Glasgow giants on a short-term deal at the end of August but has looked out of sorts, having built up his match fitness.

Phillips, now a fringe player at Celtic Park, won’t see his loan extended further, and another move away from Anfield could be on the cards in January.

Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Alexandro Bernabei is poised to make a winter exit from Celtic in 2024.

The 24-year-old has failed to establish himself under Rodgers and has attracted interest from Italian clubs and outfits from his homeland in Argentina.

The Hoops are keen on signing Estoril’s Tiago Araujo, valued at £4m, to offer competition to Greg Taylor, with Bernabei likely to be the victim in his arrival.

Meanwhile, Football Scotland claims that Celtic have enquired with Austrian outfit Sturm Graz about the possibility of signing former target Szymon Wlodarczyk. However, his value has sky-rocketed to £15m, making a deal financially unviable for the one-time European Cup winners.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Harry Whittingham(1846 Articles Published)

Harry is a football writer with multiple years of experience in the field, having worked as an intern at Port Vale Football Club whilst graduating with a BA Hons degree in Sports Journalism from Staffordshire University in 2021, before coming through the ranks at the O&O Academy at Snack Media.

Having worked as a freelance writer on This is Futbol from July-November 2022, he now works as a freelance writer for the Exclusives team at GIVEMESPORT, mainly covering Premier League football as well as Celtic and Rangers.

Harry has interviewed a range of footballer’s during his career, including ex-Premier League and Republic of Ireland winger Stephen Hunt and Port Vale legend Tom Pope.

Football dominates Harry’s life and when he’s not writing about the sport, he is often found following his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers home and away, whilst also being an ardent follower of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

CELTIC’S £1m MYSTERY MAN

MYSTIFIED Celtic fans are still awaiting their first glimpse of South Korean midfielder Kwon Hyeon-kyu in competitive action.

Lazio 2-0 Celtic: Brendan Rodgers press…

The anchorman arrived in a £1million move – an initial £850,000 plus add-ons – from K-League outfit Busan IPark in July along with winger Yang Hyun-jun.

Under-21 international Kwon, with the reputation of a determined ball-winner in the middle of the park, played for 45 minutes in James Forrest’s Testimonial Match against Athletic Bilbao at Parkhead at the start of August on an evening Brendan Rodgers utilised 22 players of his first-team squad.

NOW YOU SEE ME…new Bhoy Kwon Hyeon-kyu proudly holds his Celtic jersey on July 25, the day after his arrival.

The 22-year-old enforcer also came on for Matt O’Riley in the 61st minute of the 1-1 draw with Wolves at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium a few days earlier.

Apart from that, there has been no sign of the Hoops’ mystery man although he was named in last weekend’s matchday squad for the home match against Hearts. That was only the fourth time time he has been stripped for action, but has yet to play a solitary minute for the Hoops.

Rodgers also ommitted Kwon from his 25-man squad that was registered with UEFA before the Champions League Group B meetings with Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Feyenoord.

It has become a bewildering situation without any likelihood of the midfielder, who signed a five-year contract in summer, edging closer to a first-team breakthrough.

Possibly next month’s transfer window will provide a solution.

BREAKING: Insane Russell Wilson News Has NFL Fans In Disbelief



Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has been having an up-and-down season in 2023. Although his 2022 debut with the team was one to forget, he has shown promise this season and has Denver in the mix of the playoff picture.

However, massive news has come out about the veteran quarterback regarding his playing time for the rest of the regular season, and it has put the NFL world into complete shock.

Sources: The #Broncos are, in fact, benching Russell Wilson for the final two games, preserving their financial flexibility for the offseason.

Jarrett Stidham starts. pic.twitter.com/8sh7ORek5Q

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2023

NFL Fans React

Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos have announced that Wilson will be benched for the rest of the 2023 season, and backup Jarrett Stidham will take the starting spot. This decision has already stirred up a ton of controversy amongst NFL fans, some saying that head coach Sean Payton is making a horrible decision, while others are saying that Wilson’s time in Denver is over.

That’s actually crazy lol I know they essentially blew their chance last week at the playoffs, but they’re still very much alive.

— Jacoby (@JacobyFC) December 27, 2023

What does that mean? How is the financial flexibility affected by this?

— Zak🔥🐬 (@ThaCreekFreak) December 27, 2023



This marks the end of Russell Wilson’s time in Denver

Broncos will release him prior to the 5th league day of 2024 and will take a massive dead cap hit

Broncos will then look for a new signal caller and Russ will have a similar treatment to Derek Carr last year

— FrontOfficePros (@FrontOfficePros) December 27, 2023

More like they’re trying to save themselves from paying Wilson his bonus 🤣🤣

— khani (@1khan09) December 27, 2023

Russell Wilson’s Career In Denver

Sean Payton needs the Denver Broncos to keep wide receivers for quarterback Russell Wilson

The veteran quarterback has had a drastic improvement in 2023 compared to his debut with the team in 2022. He has amounted to 3,070 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions this season.

In 2022, he went for 3,524 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Wilson has not been as productive in the last two years as he was with the Seattle Seahawks for the vast majority of his career. He has proven that he is an elite quarterback over the years, but his stint with Denver has many thinking his career is coming to an end.

The Broncos are 7-8 and in third place in the AFC West division. While their playoff chances this season are slim after their heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots this past weekend, benching Wilson seems like a weird move by the team at this point in the season. Will the veteran quarterback be on a different squad by the 2024 season, or will he decide to hang up the cleats after being benched?