Transfers: Newcastle sign defender Miodrag Pivas, Saoirse Noonan joins Celtic

Transfers: Newcastle sign defender Miodrag Pivas, Saoirse Noonan joins Celtic

Miodrag Pivas: ‘It’s absolutely unbelievable to join such a big club like Newcastle United’

Newcastle United have announced the signing of 19-year-old defender Miodrag Pivas from Serbian club FK Jedinstvo Ub.

Pivas, who has represented Serbia at Under-17 level, played as a defensive midfielder for Jedinstvo last season as they won promotion to the Serbian Super Liga.

Pivas said: “It’s absolutely unbelievable to join such a big club like Newcastle United and I cannot wait to get started. I see the project of the club and it looks great which helped convince me to sign for Newcastle.

“I see the young players have developed very well here and I would like to do the same – to develop and get into Newcastle’s first team. I’m very excited and I can’t wait to begin.”

Magpies chief executive Darren Eales said Pivas’ capture was part of an ongoing drive to identify potential as the club continues to operate within Premier League profitability and sustainability rules.

Eales said: “Miodrag is a promising talent with high potential. Our recruitment network is continuing to watch young players like Miodrag around the world with a view to identifying and developing them into first-team players of the future.”

On Friday Celtic Women wrapped up a deal to bring in Republic of Ireland attacker Saoirse Noonan.

The 25-year-old Cork native joins the Hoops on a three-year deal after a stint with Durham in the FA Women’s Championship. She’ll link up with fellow Ireland international Caitlin Hayes at the reigning champions.

“It’s a bit surreal for me,” said Noonan. “I’ve been a Celtic fan growing up, all my family are Celtic fans. To be here is a bit surreal and I can’t wait to get going.

“Celtic is a huge club and I’m delighted to be part of it. I’m Irish, I play with my heart on my sleeve, I bleed with green. I’ll give my all, work hard as I can and hopefully get plenty of goals.”

Rodgers has now personally held talks with 23 y/o target over Celtic move

After welcoming Kasper Schmeichel, Brendan Rodgers has now reportedly personally held talks with another Celtic target as the Bhoys look to continue their recent resurgence in the summer transfer window.

Celtic transfer news

All was quiet on the transfer front at Celtic Park. The Scottish Premiership champions seemed content with the squad which just secured a third consecutive league title before they finally burst into life to solve their goalkeeper problem. Having welcomed Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa, Celtic wasted no time finding competition and an outright No 1 to replace the retired Joe Hart – signing Premier League winner Schmeichel on a free deal.

Speaking to CelticTV after officially signing for the Scottish giants, Schmeichel said: “I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic and can’t wait to get started.

“Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success. Celtic is what football is all about.

“I know Brendan very well, too. He is a top manager and someone I can’t wait to work with again. I’m really looking forward to meeting up with the boys in America and start our work and then, of course, meet our fans who bring so much to Celtic. I will be doing all I can to keep Celtic on top and bring these brilliant supporters more and more success.”

Now, after finding their replacement for Hart, the Bhoys’ transfer window looks unlikely to die down again. According to reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Rodgers has now personally held talks with Michel-Ange Balikwisha in an attempt to convince the winger into a move away from Royal Antwerp amid recent talks.

Just 23 years old, Balikwisha could emerge as Celtic’s first attacking boost of the summer before the transfer window slams shut at the end of next month.

Balikwisha can replace Oh

Following recent reports linking the forward with a summer move away from Scotland, Celtic may need to replace Hyeon-gyu Oh in the coming weeks by welcoming Balikwisha. The Antwerp left-winger, who can also play as a second-striker, has plenty of potential and could become the latest player to realise that potential under the guidance of Rodgers.

After ten goals and eight assists in all competitions for Royal Antwerp last season, Balikwisha has little to prove on the output front, and if Celtic lose Matt O’Riley as well as key depth in Oh this summer, goals could be of short supply. Following talks with Rodgers, the 23-year-old is certainly one to keep an eye on.

 

I find Celtic fan resistance to Kasper Schmeichel transfer incredible as Joe Hart succession plan is clear – Chris Sutton

The veteran goalkeeper has been met with a mixed reception as he signed just days after Viljami Sinisalo

Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel share a joke

There were always going to be big gloves to fill at Celtic following Joe Hart’s decision to retire at the end of last season.

But Brendan Rodgers has found one of the few keepers around that can slot into them with ease. Hart had experience, stature and presence at the back for the club – and that is exactly what Kasper Schmeichel will bring as well. I find it quite incredible that there’s been some resistance to the signing.

Listen, you always want the perfect fit. In an ideal world you’d go out and sign some 28-year-old international who has yet to hit his peak, a guy with Champions League experience and who could make the club a lot of money down the line. But in the real world, those players are extremely hard to find – and even harder to afford. There are teams paying 10s of millions for those kinds of keepers. Celtic are not going to do that.

So they have to think out side the box. They can either go for an experienced veteran or an up and coming youngster. It turns out they have done both.

Schemeichel is on the way and Viljami Sinisalo has also arrived with a view of him being No.1 in the future. There’s a succession plan in place. I’ve been mildly critical at the lack of signings so far this summer but you have to say the two keepers coming in looks like smart business.

Schmeichel will be the main man and there’s an eye on the future with Sinisalo, who has come in as a prospect with a lot of potential. I’ve got no doubts Schmeichel will be a success. I watched him at the Euros and he was excellent.

Celtic transfer news latest as American star Tessmann ‘targeted’ after rejecting Inter and state of play on new winger

People will point to his age and the fact he’s actually older than Hart, who has just called time on his career. But age is just a number – especially when it comes to shot-stoppers.

Schmeichel didn’t look like he’d lost any sharpness for Denmark as he took his cap count to way beyond the century. He also played the majority of games for Anderlecht in Belgium last season.

No one can doubt his pedigree either. It’s slightly interesting in that it was Rodgers who let him go from Leicester City, but clearly the pair had a solid relationship given they will be reunited at Celtic. I’d be looking at Schmeichel to have a similar role as Hart had at the club.

The former No.1 had the same questions asked about him when he arrived. He was youngster than Schmeichel now but some people were suggesting he was washed up or on the wane.

Instead he was reinvigorated. Hart was one of the biggest influences in the dressing room. His leadership and temperament was crucial. It’s not easy living in the Glasgow goldfish bowl and it’s not just about being a decent keeper.

It’s about having concentration, providing inspiration and leading by example in a dressing room full of young players from around the world. Callum McGregor is the Celtic captain but Hart was a right hand man. He had an outstanding career – and the same goes for Schmeichel.

Celtic celebrations after lifting Scottish Premiership trophy

The Dane has been around the top level for two decades and he won’t be fazed by the challenge ahead at Celtic. He knows the rules in this city. He’ll know second place is last in this environment and you’d expect him to thrive in it.

Despite some lukewarm responses, I wouldn’t be surprised if Schmeichel won over the supporters the same way Hart did and he becomes a player they eventually love. It’ll be interesting to see how Sinisalo fares in the long term.

He was highly-rated at the Aston Villa academy and he’s on the back of a strong season at Exeter City, albeit at a lower level. My old team-mate Gary Caldwell was his manager there and he’s raved about the youngster.

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He’s only 22-year-old and already been capped by Finland. The five-year deal suggests a development plan but we might see him get a few games here and there in his first season. It’s now all about who will be in front of the keepers.

The return of the international players will give the side a more familiar look over in the United States but there is still work to be done. The decision to allow Oh Hyeon-gyu to leave suggests to me Celtic are confident they will get Adam Idah back – despite some of the noises from Norwich.

I’m sure Rodgers would have preferred to have him on board for the US but the good thing about Idah is they know all about him and he wouldn’t need time to settle in. Celtic can afford to wait until the deal is right and he’ll walk back into the set-up without too much fuss.

Rodgers will need another striker though as Kyogo is the only one they have got right now. Even if Idah arrives, it still leaves them at least one short with Rocco Vata also heading for the door.

The third forward role is a tough sell as game time won’t be a given. It could be back to the same formula as the keeper with either an experienced campaigner or a young prospect coming in. Regardless of the profile, Celtic do need another option up top. Rodgers has got the ball rolling in the transfer market but there is still a lot of work to be done.

Detailed: Every player linked with Portsmouth this summer with latest – including Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Celtic talent

It’s been a frenetic summer of transfer talk for Pompey.

The players linked with moves to Fratton Park have been incessant and unrelenting since the Blues secured their place in the Championship.

But which ones are the transfer duds and which ‘targets’ have legs when it comes to a deal gaining impetus?

Don’t worry, The News has got your back. We’ve been keeping a definitive list of those players being spoken about – and have afforded every name mentioned our own insight, to sort the transfer wheat from the chaff…

1. Every player linked with Pompey this summer.

From left to right: Aiden O’Neill, Karamoko Dembele, Alex Robertson and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi have all been linked with moves to Pompey this summer. | The News

2. Bosun Lawal

Versatile and powerful Celtic man who impressed at Fleetwood last term. A move could well have been in the offing if Pompey had remained in League One. | Getty Images

3. Jadan Raymond

Pursued in January with a summer move examined. Palace’s demands for a player yet to have made a senior appearance has put a stop to a deal advancing. | Getty Images

4. Reece Cole

Exeter wide man was mentioned a couple of months ago, but never any credence in the talk. | CameraSport – David Horton

 

Report: Kasper Schmeichel seals Celtic transfer as Leicester City legend reunited with Brendan Rodgers

The 37-year-old will succeed the recently retired Joe Hart between the sticks at Parkhead

Celtic have confirmed the signing of Kasper Schmeichel as the Denmark No1 takes over from the retired Joe Hart.

The Hoops have been in the market for a new shotstopper after legendary Hart decided to hang up his gloves. Now, Brendan Rodgers has finally got his wish after being reunited with his former Leicester City captain, Schmeichel. The Scottish champions had scoured the globe for a new first-choice keeper, with £8million-rated Sparta Prague star Peter Vindahl Jensen among their top targets.

But Rodgers has opted for a safe pair of hands in the vastly experienced Schmeichel, who played in all four Euro 2024 games for Denmark. The 105-times capped star was a free agent after spending a year in Belgium with Anderlecht. Schmeichel – who turns 38 in November – was part of Leicester City’s fairytale Premier League-winning story.

He also lifted the FA Cup and Community Shield during Rodgers’ reign in charge of the Foxes and previously credited the Northern Irishman among the most influential figures of his career. Speaking for the first time after being officially announced as a Celtic player, Schmeichel said: ““I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic and can’t wait to get started.

“Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success. Celtic is what football is all about. I know Brendan very well, too. He is a top manager and someone I can’t wait to work with again.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting up with the boys in America and start our work and then, of course, meet our fans who bring so much to Celtic. I will be doing all I can to keep Celtic on top and bring these brilliant supporters more and more success.”

Rodgers added: “I am really pleased to bring Kasper to Celtic. He is a real quality keeper and someone with the ability and personality to be great for us.

“He is a guy I trust and someone who knows how to win. He lives for football and he is coming to a club where he will feel the same passion that he has for the game. I know he will feel right at home at Celtic and we look forward to working with him as we all aim for more success.”

Schmeichel will work closely with fellow new Bhoy Viljami Sinisalo who has sealed a £1million switch from Aston Villa. The Finland international, 22, has been brought in as an understudy and will be mentored by Schmeichel with the view to eventually succeeding him between the sticks.

 

Celtic transfer latest as Bernardo breaks Benfica cover, Idah hopes dealt blow and Schmeichel on his way

Brendan Rodgers is on the verge of completing a deal to sign former Leicester City captain Kasper Schmeichel

Paulo Bernardo is back training with Benfica

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Celtic are poised to confirm the signing of veteran keeper Kasper Schmeichel in the next 24 hours.

The Denmark No1 is on his way to meet his new teammates in the USA today after passing his medical in Italy yesterday. Schmeichel, 37, will be reunited with Brendan Rodgers after the pair forged a close relationship at Leicester City. Schmeichel will mentor new back-up keeper Viljami Sinisalo, who sealed a £1million move from Aston Villa on Tuesday, and will fill the void vacated by the retired Joe Hart.

It’s understood the son of Manchester United legend Peter will put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. The 105-times capped star – who played all four games at the Euros – is a free agent after spending a year with Belgian giants Anderlecht.

Hoops boss Rodgers hopes his new first-choice keeper will soon be joined by midfielder Paulo Bernardo. Celts are said to have agreed an initial £3.5million fee with Benfica, with negotiations ongoing over future add-ons and personal terms. The former Portugal Under-21 international broke cover on Instagram last night by sharing a snap of himself in pre-season training with the Lisbon club.

Meanwhile Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup is adamant that Adam Idah will be an “important player” for him this year after watching the striker close up for the first time. Idah, 23, was thrown in from the start in yesterday’s 3-0 friendly defeat to Club Brugge but lasted just 33 minutes in a planned early change as he built up his match fitness.

Celtic are keen to bring the Old Firm Scottish Cup-winning goal hero back to Parkhead after the Irishman starred on loan last season. However, the Canaries are playing hardball and have already thrown out an opening £4m bid for their homegrown talent. And Thorup has made it clear to the Scottish champions that he sees Idah as a big part of his plans after being asked directly about his future.

Meanwhile Scotland defender Scott McKenna remains a free agent after his contract at Nottingham Forest expired. The ex-Aberdeen stopper has been linked with both Celtic and Rangers and admitted last month that he’d be open to returning to the Premiership. McKenna spent last season on loan with Copenhagen and the Danish club have hinted that they could attempt to lure him back this summer.

Finally, Oh Hyeon-gyu has issued a classy farewell message to Celtic fans after rubber-stamping his move to Genk at the weekend. The South Korean striker moved on after just a year-and-a-half in Glasgow but made it clear he has no hard feelings.

 

James Tavernier Rangers twist, Ibrox target ‘not committed’, Celtic land major target – Scottish transfers

The latest transfer news across Scottish football this Thursday evening:

Trabzonspor linked with Tavernier

Rangers captain James Tavernier has emerged as a transfer target for Turkish side Trabzonspor. The Scottish Sun reports that the Super Lig outfit have made a formal offer for the 32-year-old, whose future has been under constant speculation during this transfer window, with a move to Saudi Arabia also mooted.

Trabzonspor are keen to strengthen their squad ahead of their domestic season and having already landed two former Rangers players in Borna Barisic and John Lundstram, they are now believed to be targeting the Ibrox skipper.

Rangers would listen to viable offer for Tavernier, with manager Philippe Clement stressing earlier this week that every one of his squad – with the exception of goalkeeper Jack Butland – is available for transfer if the price is right.

Conway trains with 21s

Scotland internationalist and reported Rangers target Tommy Conway has been banished to Bristol City’s Under-21 squad due to him not signing a new contract.

Conway is out of contract next summer but has not committed his future to the Robins, with the Ibrox club said to be monitoring the situation. The 21-year-old made his national team debut ahead of Euro 2024 and his club manager Liam Manning set the record straight on Conway’s situation.

“Tommy has had a contract offer on the table, which is an excellent offer,” said Manning. “This has been turned down, and not negotiated with the player expressing a desire to leave. The decision has been made for him to train with the U21s, with the focus wholly on players who are fully committed to what we are trying to achieve.”

Celtic sign Schmeichel

Celtic have confirmed the arrival of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on a one-year deal, with the Dane due to join up with his new team-mates in the US.

“I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic and can’t wait to get started,” said Schmeichel. “Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success. Celtic is what football is all about. I know Brendan very well, too. He is a top manager and someone I can’t wait to work with again.”

Earlier, Schmeichel has penned an emotional farewell to Anderlecht supporters. The Danish internationalist wrote on Instagram: “Grateful for my time at Anderlecht – a club with incredible passion and history. I’ll always remember the memories and friendships made here.”

Hibs land keeper

Hibs have signed former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Jordan Smith after allowing Jojo Wollacott to return to England. The 29-year-old has joined Hibs on a two-year contract after a season at Stockport, where he played five times. Smith joined County from Forest where he made 54 appearances and also featured on loan spells with Mansfield and Barnsley.

Head coach David Gray said: “He is a player with good experience playing at a high level in the English Championship and has strong pedigree and high standards having spent over 20 years at Nottingham Forest. He will provide healthy competition with Joe (Bursik) and Max (Boruc) in the goalkeeping department and we are all excited to work with him.”

Wollacott earlier left to sign for Sky Bet League One side Crawley. The 27-year-old former Swindon and Charlton player made eight appearances after joining Hibs last summer.

 

Leeds United could be about to enter a five-way transfer battle for a highly-sought after attacker this summer.

The Whites, Celtic, Ipswich Town, West Ham and Everton are all said to have been ‘credited with an interest’ in a deal for one of the most prolific players in England over the last 12 months.

Marquee additions to their front-line are likely to be hot on the agenda at Elland Road in the coming weeks as speculation continues to grow on their big-name stars.

Crysencio Summerville is wanted by Rennes, Chelsea and a host of other clubs, while his best friend Wilfried Gnonto is the subject of a 10 way transfer fight too.

Losing both in the same summer would be monumental blows for Leeds, given they scored a combined total of 27 goals in the Championship last season.

Leeds interested in deal for Sammie Szmodics

Summerville’s all-round game at this level will practically be irreplaceable for Leeds, and so they may have to bring in multiple attackers to deal with the loss of his skillset.

Not only will his pace and dribbling need replacing, but more importantly his goals, given that he netted 19 across the 2023/24 campaign, winning the Championship POTS.

But one player who could fill the void left by his goals is Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics, who was just one of just two players to score more than him last season, with 27.

Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has urged Leeds to get a deal done for Szmodics, and according to Planet Sport, they are interested.

As mentioned, it is said Leeds will battle Celtic, West Ham, Ipswich and Everton for the 28-year-old, who is valued at £15 million by Blackburn, as per the Sun.

Any deal, however, is likely to rest on the outcome of contract talks with Blackburn, and if he does become available, Leeds will have to beat off plenty of top-flight interest.

READ MORE: 

Szmodics makes Summerville claim amid Leeds interest

There wasn’t anyone better than Summerville in the Championship last season, and that is something Szmodics acknowledges.

On YouTuber Still Ryan’s channel in a clip posted on X, Szmodics was asked to punch – with a boxing glove – the presenter when he heard the name of a better player, of which Joel Piroe, Summerville, Adam Armstrong and more were among them.

While Szmodics believes he is a better player than Piroe, he certainly had a much different response when it came to Summerville.

He said: “Great player. 10 times better than me.”

Atalanta Set to ‘Return’ in Bid for Celtic’s Matt O’Riley

Atalanta are reportedly set to make a return bid for Celtic’s Matt O’Riley in the coming weeks in a move that would put the Hoops under transfer pressure – with their asking price being revealed by Italian media.

Celtic star O’Riley all but single-handedly dragged them to the Scottish Premiership title last season with 18 goals and 13 assists in the top-flight alone last season, beating rivals Rangers to the title after a swashbuckling end to the campaign. That has seen interest arise from some of Europe’s top clubs – and now Serie A club Atalanta could make another move for the 23-year-old after his exceptional season in a green and white shirt.

Atalanta Set to Make Return Bid for O’Riley

The Bergamo outfit are heavily in the market for O’Riley

The report states that Atalanta have not given up on a move for O’Riley, and will continue to ‘close the gap’ with the Hoops in a bid to land their man. The Europa League winners are looking for a midfielder to come into their ranks amid their qualification for Champions League football, and O’Riley has been earmarked as a top target with Teun Koopmeiners potentially on his way to Juventus.

Corriere della Serra further state that Atalanta are ‘not giving up’ their efforts to sign Celtic’s star man, and will relaunch their efforts to sign him after a first bid was turned down for the Danish international earlier this month.

Matt O’Riley’s Premiership statistics – Celtic squad ranking

Stats

Output

Squad rank

Appearances

37

=2nd

Goals

18

1st

Assists

13

1st

Key Passes Per Game

2.5

1st

Shots Per Game

2.9

1st

Match rating

7.74

1st

Their initial offer of €18million (£15.1m) with add-ons fell short of Celtic’s reported €30million (£25.2m) asking price – despite other reports claiming they want £50million for the star – and they will up the ante with a revised bid in the near future to avoid losing out to the Hoops on his signing.

The report states that the gap between the initial bid and Celtic’s valuation is not deemed to be insurmountable, and a deal appears close – with an agreement somewhere in the middle of the two figures being the realistic target for the Bergamo-based side.

O’Riley Sale Could Happen With Time to Prepare

A January bid was not great timing for the Hoops to sell

O’Riley’s future has been touted to be away from Celtic for quite some time, but only in recent weeks and with a whole six-week period to make transfers in the off-season has it seemed a genuine possibility.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: O’Riley’s 18 goals in the Scottish Premiership this season count for two-thirds of his entire Celtic strikes.

Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan both made their interest in the midfielder known in the winter transfer window, and whilst the Spanish outfit were rebuffed with a bid, that was on transfer deadline day in January. With Celtic in dire need of the Dane to propel them to a Scottish Premiership title, he did exactly that with a spate of strong performances towards the end of the season and their third top-flight trophy in a row was certainly worth the rejected bid.

With more time to sort a deal given that players have only just returned to pre-season, it does seem as though Atalanta will give Celtic something to think about in the upcoming days and weeks – but only a huge bid will tempt the club to sell given that they still have the majority of the Jota money to spend following his sale to Al-Ittihad last summer.

Kasper Schmeichel in Celtic transfer ‘dream come true’ admission as new Hoops keeper reacts to move

Schmeichel was unveiled as a Celtic player this evening

Kasper Schmeichel reacted to his Celtic transfer

Kasper Schmeichel insists he is realising a dream by signing for Celtic after the deal was finally confirmed.

The Denmark No1 has penned a one-year deal at Parkhead, with the option of extending it by another after his debut campaign. It has been in the works over the past week or so and the 37-year-old completed a medical yesterday before jetting out to the USA to meet his new teammates.

Official confirmation came from the Hoops’ social media this evening and the man himself is delighted. The Leicester City Premier League and FA Cup winner worked with Brendan Rodgers at the Foxes and that has been one major factor in his decision to come to Scotland, where he previously played on loan for Falkirk.

But the club itself was also a massive sell. Schmeichel insists Celts are a “proper club” and he’s ready to “follow in the footsteps of giants.”

Responding to the confirmation, he tweeted: “A dream come true to sign for a club with such a rich legacy as @celticfc. Excited to be part of this historic club and follow in the footsteps of giants. A new journey starts, can’t wait to get to work.”

Schmeichel also told the club website: “I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic and can’t wait to get started. Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success. Celtic is what football is all about. I know Brendan very well, too. He is a top manager and someone I can’t wait to work with again.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting up with the boys in America and start our work and then, of course, meet our fans who bring so much to Celtic. I will be doing all I can to keep Celtic on top and bring these brilliant supporters more and more success.”

 

Celtic announce signing of Kasper Schmeichel on one-year deal…

The Danish goalkeeper has joined the Scottish champions as Joe Hart’s replacement.

Deal: Kasper Schmeichel has agreed to join Celtic.

Celtic have announced the signing of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

The Dane has signed a one-year deal with the Parkhead club.

Schmeichel is travelling to the USA to join up with his new teammates as they prepare for the new season, and will be reunited with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who he played under for three years at Leicester City.

The 37-year-old is an experienced replacement for Joe Hart, who retired at the end of last season. Schmeichel joins the club just days after another goalkeeper was signed, with 22-year-old Finland international goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo joining on a five-year contract from Aston Villa.

“I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic and can’t wait to get started,” Schmeichel said.

“Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success. Celtic is what football is all about.

“I know Brendan very well, too. He is a top manager and someone I can’t wait to work with again.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting up with the boys in America and start our work and then, of course, meet our fans who bring so much to Celtic.

“I will be doing all I can to keep Celtic on top and bring these brilliant supporters more and more success.”

🆕 Velkommen, Kasper!

🇩🇰 Danish Euro 2024 captain and goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, joins #CelticFC on a one-year deal – subject to international clearance. ✍️#KasperAnnounced🍀

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 18, 2024

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers added: “I am really pleased to bring Kasper to Celtic. He is a real quality keeper and someone with the ability and personality to be great for us.

“He is a guy I trust and someone who knows how to win. He lives for football and he is coming to a club where he will feel the same passion that he has for the game.

“I know he will feel right at home at Celtic and we look forward to working with him as we all aim for more success.”

The son of former Manchester United star Peter Schmeichel, Kasper began his career with Manchester City. His three years as a senior player there were marked by a series of loan spells, including a six-month spell at Falkirk in 2007.

Schmeichel then had stints at Notts County and Leeds United before moving to Leicester City in 2011.

The goalkeeper spent 11 years at Leicester, playing more than 400 games, winning the Premier League and playing in the Champions League.

After leaving the English side two years ago, he spent a season at Nice and then moved to Anderlecht, where he played last season before becoming a free agent at the end of his one-year contract.

Schmeichel has 105 caps for Denmark and has played at both the World Cup and the European Championships.

Celtic On Brink Of Further Deal As Medical Passed In Italy

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is on the brink of making another signing to follow up the capture of Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa.

Sinisalo has joined the Bhoys and is expected to provide cover to experienced goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who is now also close to signing for the club.

The Premier League-winning goalkeeper is on the cusp of joining the Scottish champions on a free transfer this summer.

The 37-year-old has been in talks with Celtic over joining the club and the terms for his move have been finalised.

Based in the United Kingdom and online since 2007, Inside Futbol provides football news, features and interviews.

Our mission is to provide our readers with the most engaging football content, bringing the passion and excitement of the world’s game to life.

HIGHLY-RATED FINNISH INTERNATIONAL GOALKEEPER VILJAMI SINISALO JOINS #CELTICFC FROM ASTON VILLA ON A FIVE-YEAR DEAL – SUBJECT TO INTERNATIONAL CLEARANCE ✍

WELCOME TO PARADISE, VILJAMI! 🍀

— CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB (@CELTICFC) JULY 16, 2024

Sinisalo’s previous season on loan at Exeter City saw him achieving 13 clean sheets in 45 League One appearances—an impressive feat that Celtic hopes will translate well into their setup. His performance solidifies his reputation as a capable goalkeeper ready for bigger challenges.

Mentorship and Competition: Schmeichel’s Role

The experienced Schmeichel is not only set to lead as the primary goalkeeper but will also serve as a mentor to Sinisalo. This dual role is vital for Celtic, especially considering the potential for Sinisalo to evolve into the first-choice goalkeeper in the future. The dynamic between the veteran and the newcomer will be crucial for Sinisalo’s development and adaptation to the demands of Scottish Premiership football.

Strategic Goalkeeping Dynamics at Celtic

The addition of Sinisalo is part of Celtic’s broader strategy to fortify their goalkeeping position following the retirement of Joe Hart, who left a remarkable legacy of 64 clean sheets in 153 appearances. The pressure to perform and maintain a high standard of goalkeeping is immense, and the club now boasts a promising duo to rise to the occasion.

The expectations at Celtic Park are high, and both Schmeichel and Sinisalo will be under scrutiny from the get-go. Their performances will be pivotal in Celtic’s quest to defend their Scottish Premiership title and make an impact in European competitions.

Future Outlook: Sinisalo’s Potential Impact

As Celtic looks forward, the potential for Viljami Sinisalo to ascend as the first-choice goalkeeper is a narrative full of anticipation and possibility. His growth under Schmeichel’s tutelage and his ability to handle the pressures of top-flight football will be key to his success at Celtic.

Celtic’s strategic acquisitions, exemplified by the signing of Sinisalo, underline their intent to remain at the forefront of Scottish football. By investing in young talents like Sinisalo, and blending their skills with the experience of players like Schmeichel, Celtic is shaping a formidable team ready to tackle future challenges.

This proactive approach not only secures Celtic’s immediate needs but also strengthens their long-term prospects, ensuring the club remains competitive on all fronts. With the new season on the horizon, all eyes will be on how these strategic decisions unfold on the pitch.

In summary, Celtic’s acquisition of Viljami Sinisalo is a well-thought-out move, reflecting the club’s ambition and careful planning. It’s a testament to their commitment to excellence and a clear signal of their determination to continue their domestic dominance and make strides in European football.

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Celtic could perfectly replace Oh by signing £8.5m star

Celtic enjoyed a relatively decent season last time out as Brendan Rodgers lifted two domestic trophies in his first year back in the dugout at Parkhead.

The Northern Irish boss came in to replace Ange Postecoglou, who departed for Tottenham Hotspur and the Premier League, last summer and won the Scottish Premiership title and the SFA Cup.

However, the Hoops were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage, finishing bottom of their group, and they could be set to aim for more success in Europe to go alongside domestic success next term.

Changes to the squad could help the Scottish giants to push on in the continent and the forward department has already seen some alterations this summer.

Adam Idah spent the second half of last season on loan from Norwich City and the Hoops are reportedly continuing talks to sign him on a permanent deal, having already had an offer of £4m plus add-ons turned down.

The Scottish Premiership champions have also allowed one of their senior strikers from last season to move on this month as Hyeon-gyu Oh was sold to Genk.

Celtic’s Hyeon-gyu Oh masterclass

The Belgian outfit have reportedly paid a fee of £4.5m to sign the South Korea international to bolster their forward line ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

That is £2m more than the £2.5m the Bhoys reportedly paid Suwon Bluewings to bring him to Glasgow in the January transfer window at the start of last year.

Celtic, therefore, played a masterclass with the 23-year-old attacker as they almost doubled their money on him, despite his distinct lack of quality on the pitch during his 18-month spell at Paradise.

Firstly, his finishing during the 2023/24 Premiership campaign left a bit to be desired as he plundered five goals from 6.35 xG, an underperformance of 1.35.

Celtic’s xG underperformers

23/24 Premiership

xG

Goals

xG differential

Kyogo Furuhashi

18.39

14

-4.39

Daizen Maeda

8.78

6

-2.78

Reo Hatate

4.92

3

-1.92

Luis Palma

8.54

7

-1.54

Hyeon-gyu Oh

6.35

5

-1.35

As you can see in the table above, only four Celtic players underperformed their expected tally by more than the South Korean dud, who was behind Kyogo Furuhashi and Idah in the pecking order in his final few months at the club.

The biggest issue for Oh was that he did not offer much outside of scoring goals and that meant that his wasteful finishing made him a liability for the side.

In the Premiership last season, the right-footed marksman failed to create a single ‘big chance’, did not register any assists, and only made 0.3 key passes per game across 20 appearances, which shows that he offered very little, if anything at all, as a creative threat.

Oh also lost 58% of his ground duels and 60% of his battles in the air in those 20 league outings, which shows that opposition defenders got the better of him in physical contests more often than not.

Taking these statistics into account, Celtic played a blinder to make a £2m profit on him as his performances on the pitch did not suggest that he was worth more than they paid for him, as the forward struggled physically and technically.

Rodgers could, now, perfectly replace the £4.5m sale by dipping into the market to sign one of the club’s reported targets before the end of the summer transfer window.

Celtic’s interest in Danish sensation

The Scottish giants reportedly have a long-standing interest in Brondby centre-forward Mathias Kvistgaarden, and they already know how much he would cost.

Back in June, Austrian outlet VICTAURI, as relayed by the Daily Record, claimed that the Hoops target had a price tag of €10m (£8.4m) this summer.

The report stated that RB Salzburg are also eyeing up a possible move for the Danish sensation and that they had already sent scouts to watch him in action.

However, the Bundesliga side were not willing to pay the £8.5m transfer fee required for him at the time, which meant that they did not press ahead with a deal for his services.

This means that the door could still be open for the Hoops to swoop in to bring him to Parkhead as the dream replacement for Oh in Glasgow next season.

Why Mathias Kvistgaarden would perfectly replace Oh

Being a back-up striker option, at least initially, is a hard sell for players and a difficult position for Celtic to fill, particularly if they also sign Idah from Norwich to join Kyogo in the striker ranks at Parkhead.

However, it could be sold to Kvistgaarden as an opportunity for him to prove himself and potentially earn a move to a major league in Europe, whilst winning trophies and playing European football.

At the age of 22, he is younger than Oh and seven years younger than Kyogo, which means that the talented gem could come in as the long-term heir to the Japan international.

This suggests that Kvistgaarden would be perfect for the role that the South Korean dud vacated as a young back-up striker with the potential to emerge as a key figure for Rodgers in the future.

His statistics for Brondby in the Danish Superliga also suggest that he could come in as a big upgrade on Oh, in terms of what he offers on and off the ball, as he enjoyed what talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a “superb season”.

23/24 season

Mathias Kvistgaarden (Superliga)

Hyeon-gyu Oh (Premiership)

Appearances

24

20

Goals

8

5

Assists

5

0

Big chances created

6

0

Duel success rate

45%

41%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old sensation offered more to his team as both a scorer and a creator of goals, whilst also winning a higher percentage of his duels.

This suggests that Kvistgaarden, who racked up 31 goals and 11 assists in 45 games for Brondby’s U19s, could provide a greater threat at the top end of the pitch for Celtic, in comparison to Oh.

Therefore, the Danish marksman could perfectly replace the new Genk signing due to his age profile, potential, and quality that he could immediately bring to the team.

Kasper Schmeichel passes Celtic medical in Italy, signing formalities next then flight to USA

Kasper Schmeichel has passed his medical in Italy and will now sign the agreement that will make him Celtic’s first choice goalkeeper, replacing Joe Hart.  

The Denmark international will now complete the paperwork before heading to Washington DC to join his new Celtic teammates.  That’s according to Danish outlet Tipsbladet and there report is translated (very roughly) below…

Kasper Schmeichel now just needs to sign his contract before he is the new first team keeper at Scottish giants Celtic….

Kasper Schmeichel is now just one signing away from being the new first keeper at the Scottish big club Celtic.

Tipsbladet can reveal that the Danish national team star has passed his medical check-up, and thus there is only ink left on the contract before he can be presented as the new goalkeeper for Brendan Rodgers’ troops.

As Tipsbladet could reveal on Monday, the mandatory medical check-up was to take place in Italy, and it has gone completely according to plan, so on Thursday he will meet his new team-mates in the USA, where Celtic is at a training camp.

Kasper Schmeichel is transfer-free after his farewell to Anderlecht, and it has always been the idea that he should have his future in place after the EC.

On Friday evening, the Dane accepted an offer for a one-year deal at Celtic, and an option for a further season has also been agreed.

As boss, he thus gets Brendan Rodgers, whom he managed to play under for more than three years, when they were both in the Premier League club Leicester.

In a day’s time, there will be a reunion.

Thus, the safe number 1 in Kasper Hjulmand’s national team can be happy that he will once again try his hand at the Champions League.

Looks like Brendan has got his man!

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Celtic transfer target labelled a Rangers box ticker as one factor guaranteed if he picks Ibrox over Parkhead

Celtic have also been linked with a move for the star Rangers like.

A former Rangers star reckons Tommy Conway is the type of player that Ibrox chiefs are hunting – and he’d be an excellent addition.

It’s been claimed that both the Light Blues and Premiership champions Celtic are both interested in the forward who went to Euro 2024 with Scotland this summer. A pre-contract swoop by both has been mooted in some quarters, as that would require a fee as low as £300k in a cross-border compensation fee.

Derek Ferguson reckons Philippe Clement could be a boss who could get even more out of the potential that Conway has already displayed. Amid the interest from Rangers and Celtic, he’s netted 25 goals and six assists in 92 matches overall, with 12 of those strikes coming last term.

Amid swoops for younger-profile players like Jefte, Oscar Cortes, Clinton Nsiala, Connor Barron and Hamza Igamane, the ex-midfielder reckons it’s a deal that possibly works out well for Rangers as the gaffer would be nailed on to make him better. Ferguson told Ibrox News: “Yeah, he’s a good player isn’t he the boy?

“He’s 21, I don’t know exactly what the fee would be, but he ticks all the boxes in terms of what Rangers [are looking for], how their recruitment is going. Bring them in, younger guys, make them better, then can we sell them on?

“Listen, he’s a talented boy in the Scotland Under-21s and you don’t make the Euros if you’re not a good player so what you can see is there’s a lot to work with there and a lot to improve. I think under our current manager he would do that.”

Martin Dubravka transfer twist as double swoop changes Newcastle United situation

Newcastle United star Martin Dubravka is not short of suitors as his Magpies future hangs in the balance

ODYSSEAS VLACHODIMOS ‘ON PAPER’ LOOKS A GREAT GOALKEEPER

Martin Dubravka’s Newcastle United future remains in doubt as one possible suitor, Scottish champions Celtic, focus their transfer attention elsewhere.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have been one of many contenders to win the race for the Slovakian’s signature as Eddie Howe embarks on a revamp of his goalkeeping department on Tyneside. Other suitors linked with Dubravka include Southampton, clubs in Saudi Arabia’s top flight and Bundesliga sides.

Celtic, however, have this week secured the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, landing the 22-year-old on a five-year deal. Now, attention appears to have turned to signing former Leicester City stopper Kasper Schmeichel.

Rodgers worked with the 37-year-old at the King Power Stadium and a reunion is on the cards after he left Anderlecht this summer. Schmeichel is expected to undergo a medical in Italy before linking up with Celtic on their pre-season tour of the United States.

A double signing in between the sticks will likely leave no room for Dubravka‘s arrival, paving the way for another side to swoop in and seal a deal for the former Manchester United loanee. The goalkeeper is currently on holiday after his Euro 2024 campaign with Slovakia and wants to speak with Eddie Howe before making a decision on his future.

“I have no idea [if I will stay at Newcastle]. I have seen they are talking with other goalkeepers,” Dubravka told the Daily Mail after exiting the competition. “I need to speak with the manager first. What is the plan for me? What is my future? I don’t know if they want me to stay or not. It is difficult for me, because I have been focussed on my job with the national team.”

Newcastle have already bolstered their goalkeeping ranks this summer with Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy arriving to offer support to Nick Pope. Mark Gillespie also penned a new contract earlier this summer.

Dubravka is subsequently expected to make way, with his agent admitting earlier this year that a new challenge may be sought after Euro 2024.