All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic are set to take an astonishing lead of 14 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership table into the new year after their 4-0 win over St Johnstone on Sunday.

The Hoops secured a comprehensive victory at Parkhead at the weekend to ensure that they start 2025 in a sensational position in the division, with Rangers dropping points against Motherwell to help extend the gap.

Kyogo Furuhashi scored twice and Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda both got on the scoresheet, whilst Kasper Schmeichel kept his 15th clean sheet in 18 matches.

The Bhoys have won 16 and drawn two of their 18 games in the league, dropping points away at Dundee United and at home to Aberdeen, so far, and are on course to win a fourth straight title.

Celtic’s immense form in the division, however, does not mean that Brendan Rodgers will not be looking at ways to improve his side in the January transfer window, which officially opens for business on Wednesday.

The Scottish giants will constantly be looking at ways to improve, particularly with the knockout stages of the Champions League potentially to come in 2025, and are reportedly eyeing a new midfielder.

Celtic eyeing English midfielder

According to The Boot Room, Celtic are lining up a swoop to sign Burnley central midfielder Josh Brownhill at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

The report claims that the 29-year-old star has not accepted the new contract on the table from the English Championship side, with his current deal due to expire next summer.

This means that the former Bristol City dynamo is due to become a free agent at the end of the season, and will be available for pre-contract talks with teams from Scotland and Europe – outside of England – in the January transfer window.

The Boot Room adds that Fiorentina and Lazio have already placed their cards on the table with offers to sign the English gem on a free transfer.

It adds that both Celtic and Rangers are also interested in landing the experienced whiz and are considering their own offers to bring him up to Glasgow, although it remains to be known whether or not he would be interested in moving to Scotland.

West Ham, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, and Brentford are among the English sides said to be keen on Brownhill, but they would not be able to negotiate a pre-contract deal in January and would have to wait until the summer, unless they looked to reach an agreement with Burnley for a permanent transfer in January.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

This shows that there is plenty of competition for the Burnley captain’s signature and that it will not be an easy move for Celtic to get over the line, particularly with offers already coming in from the Serie A.

His form for the Clarets in the Championship this season, however, suggests that he is a player worth fighting for, as the English ace could be an excellent addition to Rodgers’ squad and the perfect midfield partner for Arne Engels.

Arne Engels' form this season

The Celtic board sanctioned a club-record deal of £11m to sign the Belgium international from German side Augsburg in the summer transfer window, after Matt O’Riley was sold to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Engels arrived as a young player who needed time to develop and grow before hitting his stride at Parkhead, but has still been expected to deliver on the pitch given the money that was spent on him.

The Belgian starlet has produced five goals and eight assists in 24 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops to date, including one goal and three assists in six Champions League matches.

Appearances

15

Starts

10

Goals

4

Big chances created

4

Key passes per game

1.4

Assists

1

As you can see in the table above, Engels has been incredibly unfortunate with the quality of finishing from his teammates in the Premiership so far this term.

They have only rewarded him with one assist from the four ‘big chances’ and 21 key passes that he has produced for them, which suggests that too many players have been wasteful with their efforts in the final third.

This is why Brownhill could come in as a perfect signing for Engels in the middle of the park, as the pair could combine to lethal effect at the top end of the pitch.

Why Celtic should sign Josh Brownhill

Celtic could land a bargain by securing a deal to bring the English maestro to Parkhead on a free transfer at the end of the season, or in a cut-price deal in January, because his form in the Championship has been outstanding.

In the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Brownhill produced four goals and two assists in 23 starts as his side were relegated from the top-flight.

That came after the former Bristol City star had racked up seven goals and eight assists in 41 appearances during the 2022/23 campaign, in which Vincent Kompany’s team won the Championship title.

Burnley dropped back to the second tier in England this season and his form has, once again, caught the eye with his contributions at the top end of the pitch.

Appearances

23

xG

4.69

Goals

9

Big chances created

3

Assists

3

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.4

As you can see in the table above, Brownhill has been incredibly efficient in front of goal from a midfield position, with nine goals from just 4.69 xG in the Championship.

The £45k-per-week ace, who was hailed as “fabulous” by pundit Lee Hendrie, has the quality to make the most of the chances that his teammates create for him, with 13 goals from 6.63 xG since the start of last season.

This suggests that the Celtic target would be the perfect signing for Engels, as the Belgian whiz would have another player capable of taking advantage of the ‘big chances’ that he is able to create in the Premiership, making them a lethal pairing.

Rodgers could land big Maeda upgrade in Celtic swoop for £5m talent

Celtic could improve the quality of their attack by making this signing in January.

ByDan Emery Dec 27, 2024

How things can change. It was only a matter of months ago that Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo was the cream of the crop, with the teenage sensation capping off a fine debut campaign in senior football by playing his part in England’s surge to the Euro 2024 final.

Belatedly brought into the United team by Erik ten Hag for his first Premier League start against Everton in November 2023, following an injury in pre-season, the local lad’s Man of the Match display at Goodison Park set the tone for a dazzling end to 2023/24 on an individual basis.

A notable high point for the academy graduate came away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in February, with Mainoo sealing all three points in dramatic circumstances, jinking his way through the home defence before curling into the corner in exquisite fashion. A star was born.

And yet, the midfielder’s return to Molineux on Boxing Day epitomised that the journey for any young player is not linear, nor smooth, with the 19-year-old’s shoddy showing coming amid what has been a disappointing 2024/25 campaign thus far.

Mainoo's performance vs Wolves

On what was just his 50th first-team appearance for United, Mainoo – who has endured a stop-start season due to injury – ‘looked a shadow of the player’ who sparkled last term, as per Samuel Luckhurst, having struggled in the centre of the park.

Now deployed in a midfield two alongside summer signing Manuel Ugarte, the Stockport native appeared somewhat off the pace, having won just two of his eight duels, while failing to complete a single dribble and losing the ball on 11 occasions.

There were some signs of life – including a teasing cross that Rasmus Hojlund came agonisingly close to getting on the end of – yet, in truth, it was no real surprise when Mainoo’s number went up to be withdrawn on the hour mark.

The sight of the rising star clipping the ball into touch on a handful of occasions really was an indication of his dwindling confidence, with Ruben Amorim needing to find a way to revive what is undoubtedly a “generational talent” – as hailed by the aforementioned Hojlund.

Perhaps, the addition of a new midfielder in 2025 could be what is needed to get Mainoo firing once again…

Man Utd's search for a midfielder

According to The Athletic’s Mark Critchley – alongside David Ornstein – the Red Devils are believed to be monitoring Atalanta star, Ederson, at present, amid the Brazilian’s ‘impressive displays in Serie A’.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

This follows previous claims from Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who suggested that the 25-year-old is among the targets that United are “seriously considering”, having “scouted him multiple times”.

While The Athletic does not reveal any potential price tag for the midfield destroyer, Plettenberg claimed last week that the Serie A side could demand a fee of up to €60m (£50m).

Why Ederson's arrival could be perfect for Mainoo

The Atalanta man may not be the most high-profile of names, yet he has been earning rave reviews for his form in Italy in recent seasons, with former England boss Fabio Capello among those leading the plaudits:

Part of the side that claimed Europa League glory last season following a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, the in-demand talent – who put in a “monsterclass” in that showpiece win, in the words of Statman Dave – could be the perfect partner for Mainoo in the centre of the park.

The 6 foot machine has chipped in with two goals and one assist in 17 Serie A in 2024/25, although his key strength lies in winning back possession, shown by the fact that he averages 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game, having recovered 5.5 balls per game also.

That supports claims from his club colleague Marten de Roon, who said that it is his “speed and recovery ability that no one else has”. He’s simply a true workhorse.

What also sets him apart from the aforementioned Ugarte, for instance, is his ability to break the lines and influence proceedings in an attacking sense, showcased by the fact that he averages 6.43 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days. The Uruguayan, by contrast, averages just 3.42 in that regard.

17 games (16 starts)

2 goals

1 assist

3 big chances created

0.9 key passes*

87% pass accuracy*

1.2 interceptions*

1.1 tackles*

5.5 balls recovered*

54% total duels won*

63% aerial duels won*

That ensures that he could be the man to pick out a marauding Mainoo in advanced areas, with Ederson also providing the benefit of having operated in a 3-4-3 system in Bergamo under Gian Piero Gasperini.

The same could be said of Ugarte, yet that pairing with Mainoo simply isn’t working at present, hence the need to acquire a fresh face – preferably in the New Year.

Equally, there’s also a world in which Ederson could partner Ugarte, thus freeing up Mainoo to take on one of the two number ten berths behind the striker, with the presence of two such athletic midfielders behind him allowing the undoubtedly gifted diamond to shine once again.

Man Utd need to upgrade on 4/10 star who was Ten Hag's fifth-choice target

Manchester United’s grim December continued away at Molineux

1 ByRobbie Walls Dec 27, 2024

Kieran McKenna will hope his Ipswich Town side can make it an unbelievable two wins from two in the Premier League when travelling to Fulham this coming weekend.

After all, the Tractor Boys have already pulled off one scalp involving a team from London in the top flight recently, when surprisingly getting the better of Chelsea 2-0 to see out 2024 in the best possible way.

Now, they’ll travel to Craven Cottage with a bit between their teeth, even as some unwanted distractions begin to pop up with the transfer window swinging back open.

Liam Delap's future at Ipswich

The main unwelcome bit of news involves Liam Delap, with many a Premier League outfit reportedly looking at the on-fire Tractor Boys centre-forward this January.

Indeed, it is now being reported that Chelsea are pursuing the services of the potent 21-year-old, knowing full well what he’s capable of after he scored and assisted in that 2-0 win at the back end of December.

His breakneck speed proved too much for the Blues to handle, with Liverpool also reportedly now looking at Delap this January to improve their already frightening attacking personnel.

Ipswich will pray that the ex-Manchester City star does stay put in Suffolk, but this could prove to be an uphill battle, especially if either of the named suitors are prepared to splash some big bucks on the clinical striker.

If he does depart, replacing Delap will obviously be priority number one at Portman Road, with this EFL sharp shooter perhaps snapped up to fill that void.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Ipswich's dream Delap replacement

Ipswich’s dream replacement could well be Middlesbrough attacker Emmanuel Latte Lath, who was linked with a switch to McKenna’s men last month.

A move would no doubt accelerate back into motion if Delap left for pastures new, but the Tractor Boys won’t be alone in attempting to win the services of the Boro marksman, with West Ham United noted as another interested party.

The outrageous solo strike above scored earlier in the season shows off an attacker who very much operates in the same mould as Delap; someone who’s constantly wanting to bomb forward with lightning-quick pace before beating the goalkeeper confidently.

Michael Carrick’s men will be doing everything in their power to try and keep a firm grip on the deadly Ivorian, but his sublime numbers in the second tier across his playing days in England to date means he is surely overdue a Premier League move.

24/25

24

9

2

23/24

30

16

1

In total, Latte Lath has fired home a clinical 25 strikes in the Championship from 64 clashes, with his nine goals this season alone bettering Delap’s blistering Premier League numbers which comes in at seven goals.

Of course, the two-time Ivory Coast international is yet to be unleashed onto the top flight, but McKenna has succeeded in getting more out of a number of EFL established figures when making the step-up, seen in his team’s surprising success over Enzo Maresca’s outfit.

Hailed as “sharp” by Carrick when netting versus Sheffield United in October, Latte Lath could still prove to be a worthwhile addition to the camp even if Delap does remain in Suffolk, owing to a lack of other centre-forward personnel.

But, the 25-year-old would want to make waves in the Premier League as Ipswich’s main star-man, as the Tractor Boys begin to prepare for some frantic activity in the window.

Ipswich could seal Szmodics repeat by signing "special" EFL star

Ipswich Town could shop in the EFL this January to boost their attacking personnel.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 1, 2025

Arsenal need every man available as they attempt to make up ground on Liverpool in the Premier League title race, yet a credible media source has now shared news of a very possible high-profile exit.

Arsenal without host of key players for North London Derby

The Gunners are preparing for an all-important North London Derby clash against Tottenham on Wednesday, which stands out as one of their most vital games of the campaign to date.

"Special" Arsenal striker target with 14 G/A now rejects January transfer

It comes as Arsenal desperately search for attacking reinforcements.

ByBen Browning Jan 14, 2025

They seriously trail Arne Slot’s side at the top of the table, and nothing but a win will do against their fierce rivals as manager Mikel Arteta is also forced to cope without many key first-team players for the encounter.

Tottenham (home)

January 15

Aston Villa (home)

January 18

Wolves (away)

January 25

Man City (home)

February 2

Leicester City (away)

February 1

Arsenal are set to be minus Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus against Tottenham, while Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt as he faces a late fitness test (Premier Injuries).

Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal are actively scouring the market for January transfer opportunities, and they are reportedly set to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as first reported by The Mail today, but he won’t be joining until the summer.

“We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad, and that’s been the same since day one,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s January plans.

“It would be naive not to do that because it is always an opportunity to evolve the team and improve the squad, especially with the circumstances. So yes, we are looking, and we are trying and let’s see what we are able to do.”

They must also take into account potential exits, with Jorginho prepared to leave Arsenal before deadline day (ESPN) and Kieran Tierney attracting interest from former club Celtic.

Oleksandr Zinchenko in "concrete talks" to leave Arsenal

Now, as per Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, a departure for £150,000-per-week defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is very much on the cards.

The Ukraine international is wanted by Borussia Dortmund, who are exploring a deal to bring him to the Bundesliga pre-February 3. Plettenberg, writing via X, states that Zinchenko’s camp are in “concrete talks” with Dortmund as the 28-year-old sets his sights on leaving Arsenal.

Arteta’s side, meanwhile, are open to the possibility of a loan including an obligation to buy set at £17 million.

The former Man City left-back has been a bit-part player for them this season and Zinchenko’s also had his fair share of fitness problems in that time, but he has attracted praise for his quality since joining Arsenal.

“Zinchenko has been absolutely unbelievable,” said Armand Traore to talkSPORT in 2023. “Every time I see him play, you see his passion and you saw him scream after the game [against United] and it’s absolutely amazing.

“I’m thinking [back to] the game against Man United, a few times when Arsenal were maybe not finding a way, he goes and makes things happen. He moves out of his position and gets into little pockets to try and make things happen and this is quite incredible. You can tell that he’s played under Pep Guardiola because he plays in a similar way.”

The January transfer window has been open for over three weeks now, and much to their fans’ dismay, Arsenal are yet to make a signing.

The North Londoners’ season is hanging by a thread as they are out of the FA Cup, almost out of the League Cup, and it looks like they could fall away in the Premier League.

Add to that the fact that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are out with long-term injuries, and it’s impossible to deny Mikel Arteta’s need for attacking reinforcements.

Now, in their defence, it does appear as if the club are trying to do something, as there have been near-constant reports linking them to forwards such as Benjamin Šeško and Matheus Cunha, but it could be argued their greatest area of need is off the right.

Interestingly, the title chasers have already been linked with Bryan Mbeumo this month, who’d be an ideal transfer for this position, but it remains to be seen if that’s a deal that can be done, although, if it is, the Brentford ace would still be worth millions less than one of Arsenal’s other frontline options.

Why Arsenal should sign Mbeumo

So, it was only last week that Arsenal were linked with a move for Mbeumo that could cost up to £50m, and while that is undoubtedly a lot of money, we reckon it would be more than worth it.

For example, in just 27 appearances for Brentford last season, totalling 2079 minutes, the 25-year-old dynamo racked up a tally of nine goals and six assists, which comes to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 138.6 minutes.

The former Troyes star has somehow done even better this season, racking up a haul of 13 goals and four assists in just 26 appearances totalling 2137 minutes.

That means the sensational Cameroonian is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.52 games or every 125.7 minutes, which is incredible for a winger not playing for one of the ‘big six’.

Moreover, he’s not just stat padding against weaker opposition either; so far this season, the Avallon-born sharpshooter has scored or assisted a goal against Newcastle United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

In short, Mbeumo has more than proven he’s worth £50m or more this season and should be a top target for Arsenal, although one of his potential teammates who’s not had quite as successful a campaign would still be worth millions more.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Mbeumo

So, to get straight to the point, the Arsenal star in question is none other than Brazilian left-winger Gabriel Martinelli.

The 23-year-old joined the Gunner from then-fourth-tier Brazilian outfit Ituano in the summer of 2019 for a fee of £6m, which now looks like an incredible bargain as Football Transfers value him at up to a staggering €77m, which is about £65m, or £15m more than Mbeumo would cost.

That is an enormous sum of money, and while there might be more than a few of you who’d dispute it, there are some reasons behind it.

First, while he’s not had the best year and a half, the Guarulhos-born talent has remained reasonably effective.

For example, in 20 league appearances this season, he has scored six goals and provided two assists, while Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, who cost £54m in the summer, has scored once and provided two assists in 19 league games.

19/20

26

10

4

0.53

20/21

22

2

2

0.18

21/22

36

6

7

0.36

22/23

46

15

6

0.45

23/24

44

8

5

0.29

24/25

31

7

3

0.32

Moreover, when he’s at his best, he’s sublime, as in the 22/23 campaign, the “unplayable” winger, as described by pundit Owen Hargreaves, scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 46 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.85 games.

Finally, while he’s not a young player anymore, there is still time for him to rediscover his best form and potentially do even better.

Ultimately, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Mbeumo this month, but fans should not forget that in Martinelli, they have a winger with the raw ability to be something special.

Arsenal have struck gold with "superb" ace who's worth far more than Cunha

The talented international has seen his value sore at Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 24, 2025

Queens Park Rangers have now joined the race to sign an “outstanding” Championship midfielder before the transfer deadline, according to a report.

QPR's winning run comes to an end

QPR had been on an impressive four-game winning streak in the Championship until the weekend, when Sheffield Wednesday emerged as 2-0 winners at Loftus Road. The Rs are now down to 13th in the table after their first league defeat in 2025, but they are still just six points off the top six, meaning there is plenty left to play for.

Perhaps in light of their resurgent form, the Hoops have been quiet in the January transfer window, but they have been looking at strengthening in attacking areas over the past week or so.

QPR now chasing "brilliant" forward who's scored two Champions League goals

Marti Cifuentes is keen to strengthen his attack before the January transfer window closes.

ByDominic Lund Jan 22, 2025

Marti Cifuentes’ side have been in contact with Chelsea over signing attacking midfielder Harvey Vale, while they are also believed to be one of the clubs chasing Celtic forward Luis Palma, who is keen on leaving the Scottish side this month.

Bringing in new attacking options appears to be important to Cifuentes, but a new report has now revealed QPR have also joined the race for a defensive midfielder, having identified Hull City’s Xavier Simons as a target.

Simons has attracted the interest of a number of clubs, and he is now said to be choosing his next destination, with Swedish side AIK also in the running for his signature. AIK are reported to be in the final stages of negotiations over a move, but it remains to be seen whether the £3.5k-per-week midfielder gives the green light.

QPR’s upcoming Championship fixtures

Date

Millwall (a)

February 1st

Blackburn Rovers (h)

February 4th

Coventry City (a)

February 11th

Derby County (h)

February 14th

Portsmouth (a)

February 22nd

Simons performing well in the Championship

For large parts of the ongoing campaign, the Englishman has been a regular starter for Hull, and he has performed well on a number of key attacking and defensive metrics over the past year. The 21-year-old places in the 92nd percentile for clearances per 90, while also placing in the 88th percentile for non-penalty goals, indicating that he is a well-rounded midfielder.

Former Hull boss Liam Rosenior was also full of praise for the former Chelsea man after an impressive display against Fulham in the FA Cup, saying: “He was outstanding – for a young player to play central midfield as well which is tactically against them, their movements and their rotations, is very difficult.”

The only concern over signing the midfielder is the fact his role in the Hull team has diminished in recent weeks, being used on a more sporadic basis.

If the Tigers are willing to sanction Simons’ departure this winter, he may not yet be at the level to play for a club with play-off aspirations, but he is still very young and has plenty of time to develop.

Chelsea’s hunt for a new talisman is rapidly running out with just a couple of days remaining in the January transfer window to do any form of business.

Enzo Maresca has been after a new number nine in both of the transfer windows since his appointment at Stamford Bridge, but his hunt has so far been to no avail – undoubtedly disappointing the Italian.

Nicolas Jackson remains his primary option within the current first-team squad, with the Senegalese international notching nine goals in his 22 appearances – an average of one every 2.4 games he features in.

Whilst such a record is credible given the competitive nature of the Premier League, it’s clear the boss wants another experienced option to help his quest of taking the Blues back to the summit of the table.

One name has continuously been linked with a move to West London in recent days, but competition has seriously ramped up for his signature as the deadline edges ever closer.

Chelsea’s hunt to land Bayern’s Mathys Tel

In recent days, Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel has emerged as the latest striker to be linked with a move to join Chelsea, as the club look to finally end their pursuit.

Their ambitions of landing the Frenchman were handed a boost after it was confirmed that he wanted to depart the Bundesliga side after his lack of game time under Vincent Kompany in 2024/25.

His admission has sparked interest from multiple other English sides such as Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester United, with Tottenham Hotspur appearing to lead the race for the 19-year-old.

Tel appeared to wave goodbye to Bayern supporters after their Champions League clash on Wednesday night, but it’s unclear whether any deal would be on a temporary or permanent basis.

However, despite the interest in services, Maresca and the hierarchy should put all their focus and attention on one other player who’s previously been linked with a move to the Bridge.

Why David would be better than Tel for Chelsea

Jonathan David is another player who’s been on the shortlist of various Premier League outfits during January, unsurprisingly given his form for Lille in Ligue 1 during 2024/25.

The Canadian has registered 18 goals and seven assists in 31 appearances across all competitions, including seven goals in 11 Champions League games in the group and qualifying stages.

The Blues have previously been in the race for the 25-year-old’s services this month, with it being reported earlier this week that an unnamed English club had a £10m bid rejected.

However, Chelsea could pounce on his current scenario and make a move for David with his deal set to expire at the end of the season, offering the club a better option than current target Tel.

When comparing the pair on FBref, the Lille talisman has massively outperformed the youngster, further showcasing why he would be a better choice in the coming days.

Games played

18

8

Goals & assists

13

1

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

30%

Goals & assists per 90

0.9

0.3

Take-on success

50%

50%

Aerials won

0.7

0.3

Times caught offside

0.1

0.4

David, who’s previously been dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world” by podcaster Tony Marinaro, has massively outscored the Bayern talent, whilst also producing a better shot-on-target accuracy rate – handing Maresca the clinical edge he’s desperately been hunting for.

He’s also averaged more aerials won per 90 along with being caught offside fewer times, undoubtedly showing that he could be the all-round talisman the Blues have been hunting for.

It’s unclear if his current side would be willing to part ways with their star man this month, but given his current contract length, it would be a shame not to see the club take advantage.

If the Blues are to reach the next level under Maresca, it’s crucial that they recruit the right players to help him in his attempts, with David providing exactly that should he move.

Worth more than Tel: Chelsea have already struck gold on "world-class" star

Chelsea have already hit the jackpot with one player who’s worth more than Mathys Tel.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 30, 2025

The January transfer window officially slammed shut on Monday night and it ended with one new signing added to the Celtic squad in the form of Jeffrey Schlupp.

Brendan Rodgers swooped to bring the 32-year-old star in on loan from Premier League side Crystal Palace until the end of the season to bolster his options in midfield and at left-back.

The Ghana international came off the bench to make his debut for the Hoops in their 6-0 win over Dundee at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night.

Celtic will, now, be hoping that the former Premier League title-winner will prove to be an excellent addition to the group as they go in search of more pieces of silverware in the second half of the season.

It was not a perfect deadline day, though, as some supporters may have been left frustrated by the lack of a striker, after Kyogo Furuhashi moved on from Paradise.

Ligue 1 side Rennes swooped in to sign the Japan international on a permanent deal last month, and the Hoops opted against replacing him in the transfer window, despite interest in Mathias Kvistgaarden.

Celtic's failed pursuit of Mathias Kvistgaarden

The Scottish giants were interested in a deal to sign the Denmark U21 international from Superliga side Brondby in the January transfer window, but they were unable to strike an agreement to bring him to Parkhead.

It was reported that the two teams were in talks over a potential deal for the 22-year-old centre-forward, but those discussions reached an impasse over their respective valuations of the striker.

Brondby reportedly valued their star forward at a whopping £10m and Celtic seemingly decided that they were not willing to spend that kind of money on the marksman on deadline day, or before the last day of the window.

It would be understandable if any Hoops fans have been left frustrated by that because Kvistgaarden has been in terrific form in the Superliga this season.

The Danish sensation produced ten goals and seven assists in 28 appearances in all competitions for Brondby in the 2023/24 campaign, and has stepped his game up this time around.

Appearances

15

Goals

10

Big chances missed

6

Conversion rate

26%

Assists

4

As you can see in the table above, Kvistgaarden has been in lethal form in the Superliga this season, with ten goals in 15 appearances, and has offered his team creativity at the top end of the pitch.

These statistics show that the £10m-rated Celtic target had the potential to arrive at Parkhead as a clinical, given his lack of ‘big chances’ missed, striker who can also create chances for his teammates to find the back of the net.

However, Rodgers may be able to unearth his own version of Kvistgaarden by offeringJohnny Kenny the chance to develop into a first-team regular in the second half of this season.

Johnny Kenny's form for Shamrock Rovers

The Ireland U21 international spent the 2023 and the 2024 campaigns on loan with Shamrock Rovers in his home country and it went almost as well as Celtic could have hoped for.

In the 2023 season, the then-teenager racked up five goals and four assists in 30 appearances in the Premier Division for the Irish side, which was a solid, but unspectacular, return in front of goal.

The young marksman returned to Shamrock Rovers for the 2024 campaign and improved his output in the final third with a return of 13 goals and two assists in 18 starts in the Premier Division.

Kenny scored two goals in three Champions League qualifiers, including the goal above, but that was not enough to prevent the team only qualifying for the Conference League.

Appearances

6

xG

3.78

Goals

5

Big chances created

1

Assists

1

As you can see in the table above, the 21-year-old striker was on fire in Europe for Shamrock Rovers, showcasing his clinical finishing by overperforming against his Expected Goals tally.

Overall, Kenny scored 20 goals in 27 starts across the Premier Division, the Conference League, and the Champions League qualifiers in 2024 for the Irish team, which shows that the potential is there for him to be a reliable goalscorer at senior level.

What should happen next for Johnny Kenny

Celtic brought him back to the club at the start of January and integrated him into first-team training, at which point Idah and Kyogo were both there and ahead of him in the pecking order.

In The Pipeline

Now that the Japan international has been sold to Rennes and the Hoops failed to sign Kvistgaarden from Brondby, Kenny is the second-choice centre-forward behind Idah at this moment in time.

Rodgers should, now, utilise Kenny as the back-up to the Ireland international in the second half of the season and offer him plenty of chances, whether that be off the bench or as a starter when the ex-Norwich man needs a rest, to allow him to gain valuable experience in a Celtic shirt.

This next three or four months should be used as time for the youngster to adapt to life in the Premiership and as a first-team player for Celtic, hopefully providing him with the experience required to kick on and hit the ground running next season.

Appearances

2

Minutes played

35

Goals

0

Big chances created

1

Assists

1

Dribbles completed

1/2

As you can see in the table above, Kenny has already made two substitute appearances for the Hoops in the Scottish top-flight and registered his first goal contribution with an assist for Luke McCowan against Ross County last month.

After that moment, the Celtic manager described him as “absolutely brilliant” and claimed that the young attacker helped to energise the match for the team.

It is now down to the Ireland U21 international to keep taking his chances when they come and to show Rodgers signs that his development is heading in the right direction, as it did during his two seasons with Shamrock Rovers.

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His form for Celtic and Shamrock Rovers suggest that the potential is there for him to be a Kvistgaarden-esque forward who can provide clinical finishing and creativity as a number nine, but it is now down to all parties to work hard to ensure that the potential is fulfilled at Parkhead.

Celtic’s European dreams came to a crushing end on Tuesday night when they were beaten by Bayern Munich on aggregate in the play-off round of the Champions League.

The Hoops, who had lost 2-1 at Parkhead in the first leg, were on course for extra-time in Bavaria before a last-gasp goal from Alphonso Davies secured progression for the German giants.

Brendan Rodgers’ side had gone 1-0 up thanks to a strike from Nicolas Kuhn in the second half but they were unable to keep the hosts at bay for the entire 90 minutes.

Despite being knocked out of the competition, the Northern Irish head coach should be proud of how well his team performed over the two legs as they went toe-to-toe with Bayern Munich and came ever so close to forcing extra-time.

The quality of the forwards at Rodgers’ disposal played a big role in their success as the likes of Daizen Maeda, Jota, and Kuhn caught the eye with their displays.

In fact, Celtic’s new wing wizards – Kuhn and Jota – could be set for an exciting second half of the season as the club remain on course to win the Scottish Premiership and the SFA Cup.

Jota and Kuhn's Celtic wizardry

In the January transfer window, the Scottish giants swooped to bring the Portuguese winger back to the club for a second spell at Parkhead, 18 months on from his move to Al-Ittihad.

The former Benfica starlet, who had joined Rennes on a permanent deal last summer, enjoyed two brilliant seasons in Glasgow with Ange Postecoglou in the dugout, producing 21 goals and 21 assists in the league – as shown in the graphic above.

Jota has produced an impressive return of two goals and one assist in three Premiership outings for Rodgers so far, and looks set for an enjoyable second half of the campaign.

Kuhn, meanwhile, has caught the eye across all competitions for the Hoops this season, with his sublime performances on the right flank as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

The German winger, formerly of Bayern Munich and Ajax’s academies, has racked up a haul of 18 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Scottish giants in the 2024/25 campaign.

Goals

Nicolas Kuhn (10)

Assists

Daizen Maeda (6)

Key passes per game

Nicolas Kuhn (1.8)

Goals + assists

Nicolas Kuhn (16)

Big chances created

Alistair Johnson (12)

Dribbles completed per game

Nicolas Kuhn (1.9)

As you can see in the table above, Kuhn has been a standout star for the Premiership leaders in the top-flight with his ability to score goals, create chances, and take on opposition defenders with the ball at his feet.

The left-footed wizard and Jota are both among the top six most valuable players at the club, rated at £8.2m and £6.6m respectively per Transfermarkt, but the Hoops once wanted another technical maestro who is now worth even more than both of them combined.

Celtic's interest in Norwegian sensation

Back in December of 2014, former Celtic boss Ronny Deila confirmed that he was interested in a deal to sign Martin Odegaard, who he had coached and brought through to the first-team at the age of 15 with Stromsgodset.

When asked about the young midfielder, the Norwegian boss said: “He is very special. Every time he gets a level, he takes it. His attitude is great and he always wants to progress, to learn. I know what’s happening. He’s in the town where my kids live and I know a lot of people there.

“I have control of the situation and we’ll see what we do. If there are possibilities, of course, we will try it. But it’s a very hard competition.”

One month later, Real Madrid unveiled the 16-year-old wonderkid as their latest addition in a deal reported to be worth just €4m (£3.3m) in the January transfer window, which meant that the Hoops missed out on the chance to reunite Deila with Odegaard.

One that got away

There is, of course, no shame is being beaten to a signing by one of the biggest, if not the biggest, clubs in the world, but the Norwegian youngster is still one that got away for the Hoops, when you consider what he has gone on to achieve.

How much Martin Odegaard is worth now

At the time of writing (22/02/2024), Odegaard is valued at a staggering €110m (£91m) and is the current captain of Premier League giants and title-contenders Arsenal.

The left-footed playmaker did not make the grade at Real Madrid but has made a name for himself in England, with 38 goals and 31 assists in 179 appearances for the Gunners to date.

Odegaard has provided a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League, which has helped his market value to soar in recent years.

The Norway international, who was described as a “world-class” talent by ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson, is worth significantly more than both Jota and Kuhn combined, as well as being worth more than any of the club’s most valuable sales.

Matt O’Riley

£16.5m

Odsonne Edouard

£14m

Kyogo Furuhashi

£11.5m

Jota

£10.7m

Kieran Tierney

£10.3m

As you can see in the table above, which includes their market value – not reported transfer fee – at the time of their departure from Parkhead, no player has left the club whilst being anywhere near as valuable as Odegaard is now.

This illustrates how much of a blow it was for Deila to miss out on signing the teenage talent back at the start of 2015, as he could have developed into a hugely valuable asset and brilliant player for Celtic if they had won the race for his services.

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Instead, he tried and failed to make his mark the Santiago Bernabeu and is now thriving week-in-week-out in the Premier League with the Gunners.

Manchester City still have plenty to play for this season before attention turns to how their squad will shape up for the start of next campaign with anticipation that mass change could be on the way.

Manchester City's changing landscape under Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has been the most successful Premier League manager of his generation by a landslide, but his side won’t be registering a record-shattering fifth successive title this campaign.

Liverpool sit 20 points above the Citizens and look likely to come away with the crown, which has shifted the focus at the Etihad Stadium towards securing Champions League qualification and their efforts to claim the FA Cup.

Nevertheless, the changing dynamics at City are likely to stir plenty of speculation over the next few months. Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly close to finalising terms with MLS outfit San Diego FC, planting a seed that could see several high earners leave in search of a new challenge in the off-season.

During a busy January, Guardiola was able to bring in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico Gonzalez, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah as part of his quest to rejuvenate an ageing side with younger starts who have the capacity to develop into long-term assets.

Manchester City’s January window transfer spend

Incomings: £181.2 million

Outgoings: £0

As a consequence, some of the old guard may begin to make way. Simply put, there is no room for sentiment if the Blues have designs on adding to their trophy haul over the coming years.

Providing some excitement, Manchester City could move to sign AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez for a bargain fee of £29.5 million should the stars align. If he were to arrive, you get the impression he wouldn’t be the only big name to sign on the dotted line.

However, outgoings will be needed to leverage the cost of new bodies, and the Blues could be about to see one of their key men link up with a former teammate who had success at the club.

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According to reports in Spain via FourFourTwo, Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic could be on the move to Atletico Madrid and sees a potential change of scenery as something that would appeal at this stage in his career.

The Croatia international isn’t keen to leave Europe’s top five leagues at this stage, and the demand of a £25 million fee to hasten his departure may prove to be a hurdle for Diego Simeone’s men to overcome.

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However, Atleti are keen to take advantage of Guardiola’s desire for fresh additions across the board, leaving the situation somewhat open to interpretation.

Deputising for Rodri during much of this campaign, Kovacic has registered five goals and a solitary assist in 32 appearances. Despite holding a strong influence on the field, his age may count against him as the Blues look to the long-term as a benchmark to get themselves back off the canvas.

Between all parties, it may be worth coming to an agreement that could see the Croatia international play out the remaining peak years of his career in the Spanish capital.