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Set to meet in the European semi-finals for the third year in a row, is it finally the WSL champions' year, or will the Catalans win again?

Stop us if you've heard this one before but, this week Chelsea, chasing a first-ever Women's Champions League title, will take on Barcelona, the holders of the trophy, in a blockbuster European semi-final. It's the third year in a row that these two giants of the game have collided at this stage, and the result on each occasion has been the same as when they clashed in the 2021 final: Barca win. Will it be any different this year?

For a brief period last time around, it looked like Chelsea might get the job done. The Blues were 1-0 winners in Catalunya to take a slender advantage into their home leg at Stamford Bridge. However, it was there that Barca's class shone through, with Aitana Bonmati in particular showcasing her world-beating talent in a performance that not only delivered a 2-0 win, but certainly contributed to her second-successive Ballon d'Or triumph just a few months later.

Things will look at least a little different this year. Both teams have gone through changes, in the dugout and on the pitch. Indeed, after representing the Blaugrana when these two last clashed, Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh will be wearing Chelsea blue this time around. But can any of those changes allow the English champions to finally defeat Barca over two legs? Or does a fifth successive Champions League final beckon for the winners of the last two?

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  Levelling up

  It's fair to say Chelsea have been doing plenty to try and ensure they can change the tide of this head-to-head and edge closer towards the Champions League trophy that has long eluded them. That's been the case for several years, but it feels like it has ramped up this season.

  It was particularly pertinent in January, when Chelsea splashed a heap of cash to further bolster an already blockbuster team. In came Naomi Girma, the United States star widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world, for a world-record fee, and Walsh would follow from Barcelona, having spent the past two-and-a-half years going to new levels as a player in Catalunya. These were two world-class additions, coming in ahead of the Champions League knockout stages.

  Following the appointment of Sonia Bompastor in the summer, who has triumphed in this competition as a player and a coach, plus the recruitment of a five-time UWCL winner in Bronze, there are suddenly even more top-level characters who know what it takes to get over the line in the biggest competitions in the sport – on top of the plethora that were already at the club.

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  Barca stumbling?

  Chelsea's switch to Bompastor has been relatively seamless, resulting in just one defeat through 33 matches to date. Barcelona, meanwhile, have had a few setbacks in their first season under a new coach of their own.

  When Lluis Cortes, the man who delivered Barca's first UWCL title, left the club off the back of that success, the Catalans had remarkable success in appointing his assistant, Jonatan Giraldez. He delivered two more European titles in his three seasons, those back-to-back and the latter as part of an historic first quadruple for the women's team. When Giraldez then chose to move on, to take charge of the Washington Spirit, it made total sense for the club to turn to another member of the backroom team, in Pere Romeu.

  However, despite players speaking very highly of the 31-year-old, there have been some obstacles this term. In October, a shock 2-0 defeat to Manchester City left a lot to be desired, while a first-ever loss to Real Madrid just last month ended an unbeaten streak against Las Blancas that the fans revelled in. It's not been entirely straight-forward.

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  Reliable under pressure

  That said, Barca are still firmly on track to win a quadruple this season. They've already lifted the Supercopa de Espana, they are into the final of the Copa de la Reina, they are four points clear at the top of the Liga F table and, this weekend, their Champions League semi-final against Chelsea begins.

  This is a team that has delivered time and time again in moments of the highest pressure, and you'd be brave to bet against them doing that on this occasion, especially given the quality that resides within their squad. The only reason that defeats like those against City and Madrid are placed under the microscope is because they are so rare. To have lost just three games all season – the other to Levante in the league – by mid-April is remarkable, with criticism and concern simply an indication of how high they have set the bar for themselves.

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  Ballon d'Or contenders

  Central to a campaign that could still return four trophies have been a number of star names. Caroline Graham Hansen has continued the brilliant form that resulted in so many people calling for her to pip Aitana Bonmati to last year's Ballon d'Or, while the winner of that Golden Ball herself has not taken her foot off the gas in a bid for a third successive individual triumph. Patri Guijarro has been an assist-machine from holding midfield, summer signing Ewa Pajor has already surpassed the 30-goal mark and, perhaps above all, Alexia Putellas might well be back to her best.

  The 31-year-old has had some rotten injury luck in recent years, suffering an ACL tear on the eve of the European Championship in 2022 after she had just completed a remarkable season that would see her retain her first Ballon d'Or. Understandably, it took some time for her to build back up to the incredible level she was at before that setback, and some smaller fitness obstacles here and there didn't help.

  However, after showing glimpses of her preposterous talent in the time since, with a wonderful goal in last year's Champions League final a great example, it does feel like Putellas is right back up there with the likes of Graham Hansen and Bonmati now, consistently and brilliantly impacting games of the greatest magnitude. It's why all three feel like huge contenders for this year's Golden Ball.

Rob McElhenney has lauded Wrexham's unsung heroes following the Red Dragons' third successive promotion.

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• Wrexham promoted to the Championship
• McElhenney praises unsung heroes
• Wrexham make history with promotion

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Wrexham co-owner claimed that he and Ryan Reynolds do not deserve all the acclaim for the club's success and argued that many members of staff are just as worthy of praise. McElhenney was speaking after Wrexham's 3-0 victory over Charlton sent them up to the second flight and wanted to ensure credit was given to the whole club, and not just the high-profile names.

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  WHAT MCELHENNEY SAID

  Speaking to , McElhenney said: "There are so many people here who don't get the credit they deserve, people here every day, the stewards, the fans, the media team, the coaching staff, the pitch people, who are not talked about, sung about, but actually keep the entire thing going. But we have to much love for them. Ryan and I have the easiest job in the world, just turn up and watch this incredible football team. We are just going to enjoy the moment."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Since taking over the club, McElhenney and Reynolds have overseen back-to-back-to-back promotions. Under the management of Phil Parkinson, the Red Dragons have climbed from the National League to the Championship. They have also become the first ever side to achieve that feat in the top five English leagues and while they deflect the credit elsewhere, the co-owners have made this success possible.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MCELHENNEY?

  McElhenney and Reynolds will have a busy summer as Wrexham look to strengthen their squad to compete in the Championship. Few will expect the Red Dragons to make it four promotions in a row and rise to the Premier League, but with this ownership who knows? Until then, they must round off their first and only season back in League One with a trip to Lincoln.

Chelsea’s policy in the transfer market under Todd Boehly has been split into two separate strategies, which has seen one half already yield success, with the other yet to be determined.

The American has splashed huge funds under various managers to hand them the tools to be an immediate success at Stamford Bridge, investing in players who can slot straight into the first-team picture.

Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are just three examples of the calibre of player brought into the club, enabling Enzo Maresca to try and secure a top-four Premier League finish this season.

However, the owner has also invested in youth talent all over the world, keeping one eye on the future of the Blues – potentially setting them up for longer-term success in the years to come.

This window presents an opportunity to do just that once more, eyeing multiple talents who could provide a balance between an immediate impact whilst keeping an eye on the future.

Chelsea’s ambitions to land an attacker in January

Over the last couple of days, numerous players have been touted with a move to Stamford Bridge, including Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens after his superb start to the 2024/25 campaign.

The 20-year-old, who was once a part of the Cobham academy setup, has scored 11 times in 27 appearances throughout the ongoing season, leading to interest from the Blues as well as Liverpool.

He’s undoubtedly set for a big-money move in the near future, with his talents certainly improving the options at the disposal of Blues boss Maresca in the years ahead.

Alejandro Garnacho is another player who’s been on Boehly’s shortlist after his surprise availability with current side Manchester United wanting to raise funds for PSR.

The Argentine has yet to fully prove himself as a regular under new boss Ruben Amorim, further adding fuel to a potential departure from Old Trafford – with Napoli also keen on the youngster who could be available for just £55m.

However, with both the attacking stars on the radar, players may also need to be sold from the first-team squad this month to make room and raise funds – with one player certainly needing to be offloading before the end of the window.

The player Chelsea need to sell before the end of January

Given the high volume of additions in recent years, it’s understandable that not every single player will be favoured by Maresca after his appointment in the summer.

The Italian has come in to work his magic, picking players he wants, which has left numerous out in the dark and pondering their long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

One player who’s barely featured under the former Leicester boss is left-back Ben Chilwell, making just one appearance in 2024/25 since the new boss made the move to the capital.

His only outing came against League Two Barrow way back in September, coming off the bench at the break and featuring for just 45 minutes – an example of how out of favour the 28-year-old has been in recent months.

His injuries have certainly plagued him in previous seasons, but no one could’ve anticipated such a rapid decline, especially after he cost the club a whopping £50m back in the summer of 2020.

However, his lack of minutes has seen him made available for transfer, with West Ham previously touted as an option for the Englishman, potentially linking up with former boss Graham Potter.

A move is desperately needed, allowing Chilwell to gain a fresh start for the sake of his career, whilst also clearing needed funds of the current wage bill in West London.

The left-back currently pockets a huge £200k-per-week, a figure that is way more than potential new additions Garnacho and Gittens, who currently earn £50k and £47k-per-week respectively at United and Dortmund.

Given such funds, it’s vital that the hierarchy and Maresca act quickly to move him on before the end of the January transfer window, desperately needing to clear finances off the books.

Such a transfer could allow for the additions of both of the aforementioned talents, further strengthening their ambitions of a Champions League finish come the end of May.

Better than Mainoo: Chelsea make enquiry for "one of the best in the world"

Enzo Maresca appears to be wanting reinforcements all over the pitch this month.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jan 23, 2025

Celtic chiefs have now received a reply after making a late bid to sign an “excellent” attacker, according to Sky Sports.

Celtic transfer plans before deadline

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers have re-signed Jota during the January window, with the winger returning to the club from Rennes. Celtic did lose Kyogo Furuhashi to the French side, with Alexandro Bernabei also being sold and Stephen Welsh and Odin Thiago Holm departing on loan.

It looks as if Celtic want to bring in a few more players before Monday’s deadline, though, with a left-back on the agenda. Rodgers recently confirmed that Celtic and Tierney have a pre-contract agreement for the summer, but “ideally”, the club would strike a loan deal with Arsenal for the second half of the season.

“Ideally it would [happen in January] but, at this moment, he’s still an Arsenal player. I think everyone is agreed that it will definitely take place in the summer. If we can do it beforehand, then great.

“I don’t know. I think that, like I said, we’d prepared that for the summer. And I don’t want to speak too much on it, with the greatest respect, because he’s not a Celtic player here now with us. But, if we were able to do it, of course we would like to do that. But that’s out of our control at this moment in time.”

It has been claimed since then that Tierney will remain at Arsenal until the summer, leaving the Hoops exploring other full-back options including Manchester United’s Tyrell Malacia.

A second attacking addition of the month after Jota is also wanted, with talks held for Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden, who is valued in excess of £10m.

Celtic eyeing loan for international left-back as Tierney alternative

Kieran Tierney will be back at Celtic Park, but maybe not until the summer.

By
Barney Lane

Jan 30, 2025

Another heavily linked forward has been Sondre Orjasaeter of Sarpsborg. Recent reports claimed that Celtic had made a bid for Orjasaeter, and more details of that offer have now been shared.

Celtic bid for Sondre Orjasaeter rejected – Sky Sports

Taking to X on Thursday, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph revealed that Celtic’s bid for Orjasaeter was worth around £4.6m and has been rejected by Sarpsborg. Discussions are continuing over a transfer, with the Norwegian side looking to bring in around £7m.

Author Timothy Fellowes has recently praised Orjasaeter‘s dribbling as his “biggest asset” suggesting that “his stats & style of play are similar to Nicolas Kuhn”, believing he would have an “excellent impact” should he join Celtic.

The 21-year-old has contributed to 30 goals in 95 career appearances, and should Celtic get their way, he’ll be looking to add to that tally in green and white, starting next week.

TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan delivers a scathing assessment of US ownership in the Premier League, singling out Todd Boehly and the Glazers.

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• Man Utd and Chelsea owners criticised
• Glazers and Boehly aren't popular with fans
• Simon Jordan gives verdict on US investment in Premier League

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Simon Jordan has criticised US ownership in English football, particularly targeting Chelsea's Todd Boehly and Manchester United's Glazer family. He accused them of hypocrisy and a lack of understanding of the game's traditions, stemming from their involvement in the failed European Super League. Jordan also suggested some American owners have a 'drunken' approach to financial sustainability and criticised them for 'sniveling away' from the confrontation that followed the Super League debacle.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The debate surrounding US investment in the Premier League is intensifying, with a growing number of clubs under American ownership or with significant investment. Gary Neville has previously voiced concerns about the potential impact on the pyramid structure and the unique fabric of English football. The failure of the European Super League, spearheaded by several US-owned clubs, further fuelled concerns about their commitment to the traditional values of the game.

• WHAT JORDAN SAID

  Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan said: "Don't forget all these American owners like the Glazers, like Stan Kroenke and Bruce Buck who's involved, as I say, ran sniveling away from the confrontation that came with the European Super League.

  "They start a fight and then they run away before the first punch is thrown.

  "I think I used an example there of accusing Todd Bowley of being like a drunken American serviceman on leave because he's not balancing the books and doing it economically viably.

  "US investment into English football is a clear and present danger to the pyramid and the fabric of the game. They just don't get it and think differently. They also don't stop until they get what they want."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND MAN UTD?

  Chelsea will continue their efforts to rebuild under Enzo Maresca, with Boehly under pressure to demonstrate financial responsibility and deliver on-field success. The Glazers still have influence at Old Trafford but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has taken a significant stake following his investment last year. He has been criticised in recent months as fans hit out at United's cost-cutting measures.

El Rebaño begin coaching search with Jaime Lozano among top candidates.

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• Robert Siboldi, Ignacio Ambriz, Nicolás Larcamón, Guillermo Almada, among other candidates

• Chivas dismissed Gerardo Espinoza shortly after being knocked out from de Clausura 2025

• Lozano stated that he does not have a personal relationship with Chicharito

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chivas are deep into planning for the upcoming season, and one of the key decisions on the table is choosing a new head coach. Following a thorough internal review, the club is now focused on identifying the ideal replacement, with Jaime Lozano emerging as one of the leading contenders for the role.

  Shortly after being knocked out of the Clausura 2025, Chivas confirmed the departure of Gerardo Espinoza, who managed only one win in his seven matches at the helm. A number of experienced names have been linked with the vacant position, including Robert Siboldi, Ignacio Ambriz, Nicolás Larcamón, Guillermo Almada, and Lozano—who currently remains without a team and is widely seen as an attractive option.

  This past Sunday, the former Mexican national team coach was spotted attending the Kings League Américas. During a brief interview at the event, he was asked directly about the possibility of taking charge at Chivas and he didn't rule it out.

  “I don’t know, anything is possible," he said. "Hopefully. It would be a great opportunity, a really beautiful experience. And the team you mention [Chivas] is one of the most beloved in all of Mexico."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While the manager search could be a positive step in the right direction, Chivas' fans are running out of patience. Frustration among fans has reached a boiling point, with growing calls for owner Amaury Vergara to step up both in terms of squad investment and in appointing a proven head coach. While the club’s CEO insists that significant resources have already been poured into the youth academy, training facilities, and infrastructure, supporters are demanding results on the pitch – results that, so far, have not materialized.

  Could Lozano be the man to lead this long-awaited transformation?

  The former Mexico national team coach has become a fan favorite to take over, and during a recent public appearance, he was once again asked about his relationship with Javier "Chicharito" Hernández. Lozano responded candidly, clarifying that while they are not close personally, he holds a great deal of respect for the striker.

  “I don’t know him very well. I admire him, but we haven’t really developed a friendship," Lozano said. "I did get to watch him play once at the Santiago Bernabéu when he was with Real Madrid.”

  As the search for a new head coach intensifies, the responsibility now rests with Chivas’ sporting director, Javier Mier. In the coming weeks, Mier is expected to lead the decision-making process and set the tone for what could be a crucial summer. Once a new coach is in place, the club will begin to assess the roster, identify reinforcements, and plan departures—all with the goal of building a squad capable of competing at the highest level in the next tournament.

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  WHAT JAVIER MIER SAID

  "I have the backing of the club president, I feel committed, and I know the club very well. We’re fully aware that this phase isn’t where we need to be, or where we should be starting from. But yes, I do have the support, I have the trust, I have open communication. I feel strong, and the people around every level of the club are giving me their full support and confidence to lead Chivas back to where the institution deserves to be," said the club's sporting president when asked if he feels capable of leading Chivas’ project.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHIVAS?

  It’s still unclear what the future holds for Hernández at Guadalajara. While sporting director Mier and his team continue planning for the Apertura 2025, players have been called to report for preseason on May 21. Later in the summer, between late July and early August, Chivas will compete in the Leagues Cup, where they share a group with the New York Red Bulls, FC Cincinnati, and Charlotte FC.

Another riveting bout of deadline-day action for those of a Liverpool persuasion. Ah well, can’t have it all. If anything, it stands as a measure of Liverpool’s prudence, so careful and assured in the market.

And it’s bore fruit for sure. Arne Slot’s side are six points clear of Arsenal (with a game in hand) at the Premier League’s peak and qualified in first place in the revamped Champions League group phase.

Federico Chiesa signed for £12.5m in the summer and remains the only first-team arrival to alight at Anfield since August 2023, when Jurgen Klopp took a chance on Ryan Gravenberch.

Don’t hold your breath until this evening. However, FSG are genuinely gearing up to make things happen come summer, with an exciting name emerging in defence.

Liverpool lining up new defender

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are gearing up for a marquee signing, albeit one that will arrive after the end of the season, in the form of Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.

One of the key pillars of Nuno Espirito Santo’s high-flying side, Murillo has been valued at £80m and is also attracting interest from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool’s intrigue is concrete, however.

With Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk out of contract at the end of the season and Joe Gomez nearly leaving for Newcastle United last summer, it’s imperative that Liverpool make their first central defensive permanent signing since 2022.

Why Liverpool want Murillo

Van Dijk is the impenetrable bastion in front of Alisson’s goal. He’s a machine, supreme leader, inimitable performer. The Netherlands star changed everything when joining Klopp’s project for £75m in January 2018, going on to win it all.

But he’s set to leave in a matter of months along with talisman Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the homegrown wonder, unless Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards complete a breakthrough in a protracted and ever-more-worrying stalemate.

Enter Murillo. Even if Van Dijk, who wants to stay, does indeed retain his captaincy on Merseyside, he turns 34 this summer and a success plan will be needed.

Let’s have a look at why Murillo’s the talk of the town over in Nottinghamshire. The Brazil defender, aged 22, has been hailed “one of the best signings in Nottingham Forest’s history” by journalist Leonardo Bertozzi, instrumental in preserving top-flight status last year and pushing on to defy odds and fight to leap over the Champion League fencing this year, third in the Premier League and six points clear of Manchester City.

It rather helps that he’s left-footed, for Van Dijk has dominated that side of the defensive line for club and country over so many illustrious years.

He’s good, this Murillo, but he’s no Van Dijk. He could be, though. With time and patience and a place in the Anfield hothouse, the South American titan might just realise his potential and become a superstar under Slot’s wing, starring alongside Ibrahima Konate for many years to come.

Liverpool will not want to lose their linchpin and flatter to deceive over the coming years, and while, indeed, Van Dijk’s immediate future will be in Slot’s squad, signing Murillo could be the most important signing at the club in many years, perhaps even since the Dutchman wandered through the doors all those years ago.

Transfer Focus

BBC reporter Emily Anderson hailed Murillo as a “defensive warrior” last season, and he was, but his transcendental performances for the Tricky Trees this season have confirmed that he’s worthy of stepping into Van Dijk’s shoes.

Dream transfer today: Liverpool could sign their own Palmer for £20m

Liverpool would romp home to the Premier League title in even more style with this late purchase.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Feb 3, 2025

Arsenal don't want to lose William Saliba for free akin to how PSG lost Kylian Mbappe last year, ramping up contract talks with the French defender.

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• Madrid desperate to sign Saliba
• Defender under contract with Arsenal under 2027
• Gunners intensifying contract discussions with the Frenchman

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Earlier this week, a report from L'Equipe revealed that Real Madrid have already started planning for a Saliba scoop for weeks, with the Frenchman seen as the perfect defensive leader for the future. However, a new report from the same publication now indicates that Arsenal want to be ten steps ahead of the Spanish heavyweights. As such, new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already initiated discussions with Saliba over a renewal, in order to avoid a similar Kylian Mbappe situation.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Madrid have experienced a miserable season in which they lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona and crashed out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals. They do remain in the hunt to retain their LaLiga title, but it has overall been a woeful season for Los Blancos. What has compounded their misery is the defensive injury crisis they have had to experience, with key first-team defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao suffering long-term ACL injuries.

  The Madrid hierarchy believe that the squad's backline needs world-class reinforcements, given that several players such as Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba find themselves on the wrong side of 30. One such reinforcement is Saliba, who Madrid believe to be one of the best players in his position, and a player who can provide stability in the defence for the next decade.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Berta suspects Real Madrid are trying to "plant the seed" in Saliba's mind, aiming to either lower his transfer fee and then go for him in 2026, or sign him for free in 2027 when his contract expires. To counter this, Berta began contract extension talks with the centre-back weeks ago, with discussions intensifying recently to secure his future at the club.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAM SALIBA?

  The French defender will be seen in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against PSG on Wednesday, May 7, at Parc des Princes. This weekend, he'll return to the Premier League, when the Gunners take on champions-elect Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, May 11.

The deadline has come and gone, with questions left to ponder as to quite what to make of the transfer window from a Celtic perspective.

Yes, the headline may have been the glorious return of former hero Jota – who marked the start of his second spell by sealing the win at Motherwell at the weekend – but has that £8m switch somewhat blinded from an otherwise poor period of business?

There’s no denying the delight at seeing Celtic’s new number seven back at Parkhead, ready to rip Premiership defences to shreds once again, as he did so successfully under Ange Postecoglou.

And yet, there is an argument that the Hoops squad is now weaker than when the window started, having allowed 85-goal sensation, Kyogo Furuhashi, to join struggling Ligue 1 side, Rennes, on a £10m deal.

That mid-season exit would have been swallowed had an adequate replacement been brought in, yet Brendan Rodgers has been left empty-handed, forced to rely on £9.5m man Adam Idah for the remainder of the season – a player who boasts just six Premiership goals this term.

Kieran Tierney is, of course, set to make his own emotional homecoming in the near future, yet with a January loan switch having been ruled out for the Scotsman, the Hoops were forced to settle for another Premier League talent instead…

What Jeffrey Schlupp brings to Celtic

Jeffrey Schlupp signing on loan from Crystal Palace in the last knockings of deadline day was unlikely to have been on anyone’s transfer bingo card, with the versatile 32-year-old joining on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

A former Premier League winner at Leicester City, the veteran asset does provide a wealth of experience for Rodgers’ side, albeit while having failed to start a single game in all competitions in 2024/25 to date.

As Rodgers stated, Schlupp is “a fantastic guy, someone with real high-level experience and with great attributes including power, pace and versatility”, yet after the excitement surrounding a potential early return for Tierney, this last-gasp move feels like something of a let down.

Not that the Ghanaian should be judged before he’s taken to the field, however, while his ability to operate at left-back or in a more advanced role should certainly make him a useful asset.

With Alex Valle having unfortunately returned to parent club Barcelona to subsequently sign for Cesc Fabregas’ Como, it will likely then be a straight battle between Schlupp and Greg Taylor on the left flank, ahead of Tierney’s return this summer.

Greg Taylor's market value at Celtic

Something of a marmite figure at Parkhead, Taylor now resides in a precarious position in Glasgow.

Market Movers

Currently the first-choice left-back, the 27-year-old will seemingly be aware that he will likely lose that crown in just a matter of months, when Tierney officially signs on a free transfer.

It is perhaps no surprise then that the Scotland international is seemingly contemplating a free transfer switch of his own, having yet to extend his contract which expires in June.

Rodgers did previously hint that getting the full-back to agree terms was a “priority”, albeit while then admitting in December that he is aware that it is one of Taylor’s “last big contracts”, such is the point in his career.

A straight swap then could occur, in essence, if Tierney arrives and Taylor walks out the door, although it would be of frustration to lose the latter man for nothing, particularly considering his current market value.

As per Transfermarkt, the former Kilmarnock man – who signed on a £3m deal back in 2019 as Tierney’s replacement – is worth €7m (£6m), thus placing him ahead of even new man, Schlupp, who is deemed to be worth €6m (£5m) at present.

There is perhaps a world in which Rodgers and co should’ve cashed in on Taylor either in January or last summer, in order to try and earn a profit on their initial investment, yet having seen Valle depart and allowed Alexandro Bernabei to move on permanently, the situation is now as it is.

A player capable of whipping in an assist as he did for Luke McCowan against Dundee, while also guilty of lapses like his errant pass in the League Cup final, the £15k-per-week asset remains an enigma.

If he does choose to move on at the end of the campaign, he can look back on his part in a glittering period of domestic dominance under both Postecoglou and Rodgers. As for the club itself, however, they may regret not cashing in on such a servant when they potentially had the chance.

Worse than Trusty: Celtic star just missed his big chance to shine

The Celtic forward endured a frustrating evening against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

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By
Dan Emery

Jan 30, 2025

Emi Martinez could be on the move this summer, with Barcelona and Manchester United showing interest after his emotional Villa Park farewell.

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• Barcelona and Man Utd offered Martinez
• Villa ready to cash-in on Argentina 'keeper
• Appeared to wave goodbye at Villa Park

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Martinez was visibly emotional during Aston Villa's final home game of the season against Tottenham, leading to widespread speculation about his future at the club. According to Latin TV channel D Sports, both Barcelona and Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Martinez, who has been a key figure in Villa's recent success, when the transfer window opens this summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since joining from Arsenal in 2020, the 32-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers, earning accolades such as the Yashin Trophy and The Best FIFA Goalkeeper award. With Wojciech Szczesny’s future looking uncertain at Barca, they may be in the market for a new shot-stopper to rival current first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
  As for United, their interest comes amid ongoing doubts over Andre Onana, who has come under scrutiny for some high-profile errors. With Ruben Amorim continuing to evaluate his squad, he may see Martinez as a contender to be his new No.1.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Argentine goalkeeper began his professional career at Arsenal, but made just 15 league appearances in 10 years. However, since joining Aston Villa in 2020, Martinez has kept over 40 clean sheets. The 2022 World Cup winner also holds the record for the most clean sheets in a single Premier League season for the Villans.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  As the summer transfer window approaches, Martinez's future remains uncertain. As well as United and Barca, the Argentina star has also been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. Villa, meanwhile, are reportedly considering other options, with Espanyol's Joan Garcia and Real Madrid star Andriy Lunin on their summer shortlist.