A “sensational” £100m midfielder has now emerged as Manchester United’s top midfield target ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, with Ruben Amorim personally keen.
Man Utd keen on new midfielder amid Bruno concerns
Amorim has been forced to find a way to fit talisman Bruno Fernandes into his system, but there are concerns about whether the Portugal international is suited to playing in central midfield, with ex-Chelsea man Craig Burley criticising his positional awareness.
Burley said: “They have got no legs in midfield, we’ve talked about this with Casemiro and Ugarte. Bruno Fernandes is playing there, but it’s not his position.
“He doesn’t understand the defensive aspects and the positional aspects of being a deeper-lying midfielder. And it also negates, which we’ve talked about at length, his ability to influence 30 yards further up the field.”
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Perhaps with that in mind, the Red Devils have set out to bring in a new central midfielder, and summer target, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, has remained on the shortlist, with a report from early September revealing plans to smash their transfer record in 2026.
However, according to a report from The i Paper, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has now overtaken Baleba as Man United’s top target in midfield, with Amorim personally keen, as the manager is a fan of his directness and willingness to pass forward.
The Brighton midfielder, on the other hand, has made a disappointing start to the season, which has caused United to think twice about pursuing the Cameroonian, with one insider saying: “A calming influence, a midfielder on a different level with the ball at his feet wouldn’t go amiss right now,”
“Baleba can get about the pitch more, but does he possess Wharton’s quality on the ball? The club could do with the latter.”
"Sensational" Wharton would be very different option to Baleba
The Palace star, who reportedly has a price tag of £100m, is a very different type of player to Baleba, posing more of an attacking threat, while, as previously mentioned, expressing a willingness to drive the ball forward, which is why he has caught Amorim’s eye.
Average per 90 (past year)
Adam Wharton
Carlos Baleba
Assists
0.15
0
Shot-creating actions
3.94
1.88
Progressive passes
5.98
3.33
Tackles
1.90
2.47
Interceptions
1.39
1.53
As shown, the Cameroon international excels more from a defensive point of view, which suggests he is more of a like-for-like replacement for Casemiro, although there have recently been widespread reports suggesting the ex-Real Madrid man could sign a new contract.
As such, Baleba may not be a necessary signing, and it is probably a wise idea to focus on signing Wharton, who has received very high praise from Sky Sports’ Nubaid Haroon in the past.
West Ham United are ready to entertain buyers for a speedy and direct player, as manager Julen Lopetegui attempts to raise January funds and strengthen his squad in key areas.
Julen Lopetegui reveals transfer talks with David Sullivan
Speaking to the press, Lopetegui shared that he’s held conversations with West Ham chairman David Sullivan over plans for the looming winter window.
West Ham chiefs impressed by £49m forward who Lopetegui personally wants
The Spaniard is keen to bring him to east London.
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Technical director Tim Steidten is under pressure at West Ham, following a series of lacklustre investments over the summer window, which saw the club spend over £120 million on new signings – including flop striker Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund.
West Ham are believed to be in the market for a new centre-forward next month, but must first raise funds through player sales, as Lopetegui sits down for talks with Sullivan to discuss the best steps heading into January.
“The talks I have with David I am not going to tell you, but we talk a lot about the team,” said Lopetegui on his meetings with Sullivan.
Liverpool (home)
December 29
Man City (away)
January 4
Fulham (home)
January 14
Crystal Palace (home)
January 18
Aston Villa (away)
January 26
“About the squad and about the next challenge, the only truth I believe is to be focused on the next match. After, we will see what happens.”
While Lopetegui refused to go into too much detail on West Ham’s transfer plans, reports suggest that Real Sociedad star Brais Mendez is a key target for West Ham alongside their pursuit of a new number nine.
It has also been reported that West Ham are serious contenders to sign Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton, so there are rumoured targets on the agenda at Rush Green, but their need to sell after a summer of high expenditure means it could be a tricky one to navigate.
There are a number of squad members who could be forfeited in an attempt to bolster Lopetegui’s transfer kitty, and one of them is now winger Maxwel Cornet.
West Ham put Maxwel Cornet up for sale after Southampton re-call decision
According to The Athletic, Cornet will be recalled from his loan spell at Southampton, with the Ivorian barely making any matchday squads recently and appearing surplus-to-requirement at St. Mary’s.
West Ham are set to put Cornet up for sale once he returns to London, two and a half years after his £17.5 million move from Burnley, and the east Londoners could be hoping to recoup at least some of that fee in an attempt to raise cash.
Maxwel Cornet for Southampton.
The 28-year-old was a star player for Burnley in the 2021/2022 season, finishing that Premier League campaign as their top scorer with nine league goals, but it appears he’s failing to rediscover that form behind the scenes.
“Cornet is quick and direct. He could help them get behind,” said the late Kevin Campbell about Cornet back in 2022 (Football Insider).
“Cornet is a runner. He gets in behind and stretches teams. I think that is essential. He is a handful off the bench.”
A Celtic player who reportedly picks up around £11,000-a-week at Parkhead is close to a January exit.
Celtic transfer rumours
The Hoops are once again sitting pretty at the top of the Scottish Premiership, however, the club look like they could have a busy January transfer window, both in terms of incomings and outgoings. Brendan Rodgers has already allowed Stephen Welsh to join Belgian side KV Mechelen on loan this month, and there have been plenty of rumours regarding potential arrivals.
Celtic are working on a deal to bring former defender Kieran Tierney back to Parkhead, with the Arsenal left-back out of contract in the summer. Reports have claimed that Tierney could join Celtic on loan this month before penning a three-year permanent deal back in Glasgow.
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Celtic are also set to make an offer for Bazoumana Toure of Hammarby, with the 18-year-old impressing scout Jay Lefevre, who watched Toure in action over in Sweden.
Another player of interest to Parkhead officials is teenage forward Mason Melia of St Patrick’s Athletic, with Celtic rivalling Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur and former boss Ange Postecoglou for the Irish youngster.
Celtic’s next 5 fixtures
Date
Ross County vs Celtic
January 11
Dundee vs Celtic
January 14
Celtic vs Kilmarnock
January 18
Celtic vs Young Boys
January 22
Celtic vs Dundee
January 25
More players could also head out the Parkhead door, though, including winger Luis Palma. The Honduras international, who reportedly picks up around £11,000-a-week, came on as a substitute in the recent 2-0 win over Dundee United.
However, that may well be his final game in a green and white shirt following a new transfer development, despite Celtic previously rejecting two approaches for Palma’s services.
Celtic winger Luis Palma reaches agreement with new club
According to reports in Spain, Palma has reached an agreement with Rayo Vallecano and that the La Liga side want a loan deal with a €2.5m option to buy.
The departure of James Rodríguez has opened the door for Vallecano to move for Palma, and The Daily Mail’s reliable reporter Stephen McGowan has added that talks are open between the two clubs, with Rodgers narrowing down a search for a replacement.
Celtic forward Luis Palma.
“Rayo Vallecano have opened talks over a loan move for Celtic winger Luis Palma. And the Spanish club want a purchase option allowing them to buy the Honduran international for £2.1million.
“Brendan Rodgers is narrowing down the search for a new left winger this month. And, despite appearing as a second-half substitute in Celtic’s 2-0 win over Dundee United on Wednesday night, the 24-year-old has slipped down the pecking order and wants to try his luck elsewhere.”
Palma joined Celtic for around £4m in 2023 after being targeted by rivals Rangers and starred in his first campaign, contributing to 20 goals across all competitions.
However, this season, the 24-year-old hasn’t scored or provided an assist in 10 games, so should the Hoops secure a replacement, an exit could be best for all involved.
Hoping to enjoy a busy January transfer window than their nightmare summer, Newcastle United are now reportedly considering a move to sign a Premier League midfielder in 2025.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies have eased fears over their drop-off in recent weeks by turning their form around under Eddie Howe. It’s no coincidence that their return to form has gone hand-in-hand with Alexander Isak’s either, with the Swede back to his goalscoring best – netting three in his last three Premier League games. He was, of course, at it again last time out as Newcastle sealed an impressive 3-1 victory against high-flying Nottingham Forest.
As Isak’s form continues, however, concern has seemingly increased over his future at St James’ Park. Recent reports have linked the Newcastle star with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool amid doubts that he will put pen to paper on a fresh deal for the Magpies. His exit would undoubtedly be a monumental blow.
Hoping to tempt their star man to stay put, those on Tyneside could hand Isak the perfect creator to fuel his goalscoring addiction. As reported in Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, Newcastle are now considering a January move to sign Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on loan from Chelsea. The former Leicester City midfielder has endured a nightmare spell and desperately needs the game time that the Magpies could offer.
They’re not the only side considering a move though, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly among the potential suitors alongside Aston Villa, Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. In what could be a busy race for his signature, Dewsbury-Hall has quite the decision to make.
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Earning a reported £80,000-a-week at Chelsea, Newcastle would be wise to rescue Dewsbury-Hall in the winter window and reinforce their midfield options on an offensive front.
"Fantastic" Dewsbury-Hall needs move
Appearing just three times in the Premier League so far this season and accumulating just 43 minutes, Dewsbury-Hall’s decision to swap Leicester City for a packed Chelsea squad looks more and more unwise by the day. He desperately needs a winter exit – if only on loan – if he wants to finally make his mark on the Premier League.
Newcastle represent an ideal option too. The former Leicester man would receive the game time that he’s after amid Howe’s current lack of depth and would be fighting for European football in what wouldn’t be far away from Chelsea’s current aims. Having scored 12 goals and assisted a further 15 in the Championship last season too, Dewsbury-Hall is certainly a player capable of making a significant impact when given the chance.
It’s a slight suprise that Enzo Maresca has failed to give his summer signing a real chance at Chelsea after they worked so well together at Leicester last season. The Italian even spoke highly of the midfielder, telling Sky Sports: “He was full of responsibility at first. But since the first international break he has improved a lot.
“He’s calm, fantastic with the ball, he knows when to attack and what to give the team. He is so dangerous near the box, and has the quality to score or assist from anywhere.”
One of Sunderland’s Championship promotion rivals are believed to be interested in signing one of their key players in the January transfer window, according to a new report.
Sunderland stuttering after flying start
After a blistering start to the season by Regis Le Bris’ side, there is no question that their campaign has started to lose a little bit of momentum in recent weeks.
On Saturday afternoon, Sunderland blew a 2-0 lead at home to a Coventry City side who sacked manager Mark Robins last week, eventually drawing 2-2. It was their third draw in a row in the league, and having led the way at the top of the Championship table by five points, they are now only ahead of Sheffield United on goal difference, following their 1-0 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
There is certainly no reason to panic for the Black Cats, who still looked primed for a promotion push this season, but an improvement in form is needed after the international break, with the absence of the suspended Jobe Bellingham acting as a blow.
It is imperative that Sunderland keep hold of their most influential figures between now and the end of the season, however, and possibly even make new signings in January, but a concerning update has now emerged regarding one current Stadium of Light hero.
"Fantastic" Sunderland ace wanted by rivals
According to a fresh claim from The Sunday Mirror [via Football League World], Leeds United are eyeing a move for Sunderland ace Dennis Cirkin in January, in what would be a shock exit from the Stadium of Light. The Whites are keeping tabs on the Black Cats hero, who has been an ever-present for his side in the Championship this season, starting all 15 of their matches in the competition.
The idea of Sunderland allowing Cirkin to join Leeds midway through the season is nonsensical, considering they would be both weakening themselves and strengthening one of their biggest Championship rivals this season.
The 22-year-old has excelled for the Black Cats in 2024/25 to date, scoring twice and assisting once from left-back, as well as averaging 3.4 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game.
Praise from his former manager, Lee Johnson, speaks volumes about what Sunderland would lose out on: “Fantastic player, he’ll have a top career. No question of a doubt but we need to accelerate that leadership and obviously we’re looking to do that. Communicating in his best way and if that’s having a lot of individual chats with players around him, to canvas, to make sure that connection is there, then so be it.”
The £10,000-a-week Cirkin is a player Sunderland simply must keep hold of, at least for the remainder of the season, or risk seeing their promotion hopes damaged.
Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season
Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.
ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025
At 22, there is still so much more to come from him too, so he should be viewed as an important long-term figure at the club by Le Bris.
Liverpool are continuing to push to complete the signing of an “unbelievable” £25m-rated attacking player and could have an advantage over Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds are being linked with plenty of potential new signings, with Ademola Lookman mentioned as a possible addition in recent times. The former Everton winger is currently thriving at Atalanta, famously scoring a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Real Valladolid winger Raul Moro is also seen as a rumoured option for Liverpool, with Manchester City mentioned as suitors, too. The 22-year-old has scored three goals in La Liga this season and could be considered a long-term attacking wide addition, proving capable of thriving on either flank.
Andy Robertson’s hit-and-miss form so far this season has been well-documented, with his red card against Fulham in the Premier League last weekend a damaging moment for the Reds, and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez continues to be mentioned as a long-term solution in that position.
Away from the incoming transfer news at Liverpool, the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah continues to be a major talking point. The club are said to have offered the former a new contract, as they look to ensure that his head isn’t turned by a move to Real Madrid next summer.
Liverpool pushing to sign "unbelievable" £25m ace
According to a fresh claim from Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are pushing to sign Lyon star Rayan Cherki in the January transfer window, looking to snap him up in a potential £25m deal.
The Reds are believed to be ahead of Paris Saint-Germain in the race to acquire the attacking midfielder’s signature, due to Lyon’s “frosty” relationship with their fellow Ligue 1 club.
Cherki has been seen as a target for Liverpool for some time and the idea of him in a Reds shirt is certainly exciting, given the talent and long-term potential that he possesses.
Granted, the 21-year-old is still a raw footballer who is learning his trade, but he has already bagged 22 goals and 32 assists for Lyon, despite his tender years, with journalist Dean Jones describing him as “unbelievable”.
To be able to sign Cherki for just £25m feels like a bargain, considering how high his ceiling is, so Liverpool could see it as an important piece of business to get done in January.
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Granted, Arne Slot isn’t exactly short of attacking options at the moment, but he could add extra quality in attacking midfield, putting pressure on the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott, having scored and assisted three times apiece in just seven Ligue 1 starts so far this season.
Nottingham Forest maintained their unbeaten away record in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, securing a 1-1 draw at Chelsea this afternoon.
Chris Wood put Nuno Espírito Santo’s side ahead just minutes into the second half but were pegged back less than ten minutes later after Noni Maduele fired home for the hosts.
Both sides pushed on for a winner, but excellent saves from Matz Sels and Robert Sanchez in stoppage time saw the game end level, with both teams having to settle for a point.
The result takes Forest back into the top half of the table ahead of the second international break, with a tally of ten points from the opening seven games of the new campaign.
However, it was a day to forget for one first-team member who failed to make a positive impression on the meeting at Stamford Bridge, in just his fourth start for the club.
James Ward-Prowse’s stats against Chelsea
After joining on loan from West Ham United on deadline day, midfielder James Ward-Prowse arrived at the City Ground with high expectations of bolstering Nuno’s midfield.
However, up to now, he’s yet to make any sort of positive impact, with his latest display summing up his time in the East Midlands so far this season.
The 29-year-old was sent off for a second bookable offence after losing possession, before diving on the ball and handling the ball to prevent a counter-attack from Enzo Maresca’s side.
Whilst he undoubtedly took one for the team, the mistake was an avoidable one, but up until his dismissal, he failed to pull up any trees, looking lacklustre throughout.
Minutes played
78
Touches
48
Passes completed
33/39 (85%)
Possession lost
11x
Fouls committed
2
Duels won
2/4 (50%)
Interceptions made
0
Ward-Prowse lost possession 11 times in his 78 minutes on the pitch, committing two fouls and only winning 50% of his duels.
It was certainly an afternoon to forget for the loanee, who will now miss the meeting with Crystal Palace after the international break, with Nuno having a decision to make over who could replace the midfielder.
However, despite his display in the capital, one other Forest player endured a tricky afternoon, producing some stats just as poor as the dismissed loanee.
The man who was as bad as Ward-Prowse
Whilst Forest were defensively solid throughout the draw, left-back Alex Moreno struggled against the pace and direct nature of opposition winger Madueke – often coming out second best in the battle with the England international.
The Spaniard, who’s currently on loan from Aston Villa, has cemented his place at full-back in recent matches, but his display at Stamford Bridge this afternoon was arguably his worst since his move in the summer.
The 31-year-old managed just 40 touches during his display, a tally lower than goalkeeper Sels who registered 44 – an indication as to his lack of impact during the encounter.
He also only won 40% of his duels, whilst losing possession nine times and committing a foul as he looked unable to compete with the pace of Madueke.
Minutes played
82
Touches
40
Passes completed
15/17 (88%)
Duels won
4/10 (40%)
Possession lost
9x
Dribbled past
3x
Fouls committed
1
The Chelsea wide man managed to dribble past him three times – including for their goal – unable to get close enough to the youngster, who was able to cut inside before firing home.
Whilst the point was a great result given the circumstances, Moreno failed to come away from the game with any plaudits, potentially putting his starting role at risk.
He was subsequently handed a 5/10 match rating by Nottinghamshire Live Forest correspondent Sarah Clapson, further highlighting his lack of positive impact during the draw.
As a result, Nuno could look to recall Neco Williams and switch Ola Aina back to a left-back role when his side face Oliver Glasner’s Palace in just over two weeks time.
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West Ham have had many players come through the ranks with extreme hype, labelled the next Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, or even Bobby Moore.
However, living up to such high expectations is never easy, setting an unrealistic representation for fans before they have even kicked a ball at senior level. We have seen this on many occasions, where the pressure is too much for young shoulders, and can have a negative effect on the player.
One player who failed to live up to the hype at West Ham was academy graduate Reece Oxford, who was seen as the cream of the crop.
However, now Oxford finds himself at Augsburg in Germany, whilst Declan Rice, who came through the academy at a similar time, is now playing for Arsenal.
Declan Rice's time at West Ham
Declan Rice made 32 appearances for the West Ham U21 side, having been released by Chelsea in 2013 for allegedly ‘being too small’. Strange, right?
The now towering midfield figure of Rice then broke into the senior squad at West Ham in 2017, making his debut against Burnley on the last day of the 2016/17 campaign.
Declan Rice for West Ham
The English midfielder went on to make 245 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 15 goals, providing 13 assists, and totaling 20,580 minutes played.
Rice became club captain in 2022, skippering the side to their first major honour in 43 years, and won “Hammer of the year” three times in 2020,2022, and 2023. The England international was then sold in 2023, joining Arsenal for a huge fee of around £105m.
So, how have they set about replacing him? The likes of Edson Alvarez and Carlos Soler have arrived but the solution may well lie in the academy.
West Ham's next Declan Rice
West Ham already have an extremely talented midfielder emerging through the ranks, who could take over the mantle left by Rice.
The name is Lewis Orford, a young talent who has made 91 appearances for the U21 and U18 sides combined, scoring 19 goals, providing 29 assists, and totaling 6,985 minutes played.
The 18-year-old has already been described as a player who is “beyond his years” by journalist John Brewin, noting that the youngster reminds him of both Rice and Michael Carrick.
Goals + Assists
0.16
Progressive Carries
2.59
Progressive Passes
6.62
Passes into Final Third
6.60
Tackles
2.22
Blocks
1.20
Interceptions
1.63
Aerials Won
0.95
These are the metrics Rice put up in his final season with the Hammers, and the sort of numbers they are looking to replace. Orford has the quality on the ball to produce these high progressive passing and carrying numbers, whilst still putting in the defensive shift, completing tackles and interceptions in the middle of the park.
Brewin has previously spoken of Orford’s ability to also arrive in the box and take shots, which is similar to another academy graduate in Lampard. This would certainly add extra goal threat from midfield, and long shot ability in order to score goals, or win corners from deflected/saved strikes.
West Ham have been looking to replace Rice, making big midfield signings such as Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, and Guido Rodriguez, but they could have the heir to his throne right there in the academy set up.
Offloaded by Lopetegui: West Ham have already axed their next Declan Rice
The club have seen a huge overhaul of their midfield department in the last 12 months.
As their search to sign a fresh attacking option continues, Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign a La Liga winger alongside a number of their Premier League rivals.
Newcastle transfer news
It seems like a fairly open secret that Miguel Almiron is at the back end of his Newcastle career. The winger has lost his starting place under Eddie Howe and is now reportedly ready to leave when the January transfer window arrives. The Magpies, meanwhile, are reportedly in pursuit of a fresh face to take hold of that right-wing spot at St James’ Park.
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Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo are names that are seemingly on the Magpies’ radar, with both enjoying excellent seasons so far in the Premier League.
Mbeumo would be a particularly impressive addition given how he can also lead the line and therefore provide potential cover for Alexander Isak. However, whether Newcastle find themselves priced out of a move by a fellow Premier League side once again remains to be seen.
The Brentford and Bournemouth stars aren’t the only options to have been mentioned, either. The Tyneside club have also turned their attention towards La Liga and one in-demand winger.
Brentford'sBryanMbeumocelebrates scoring
According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Paul Mitchell and Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Takefusa Kubo after Mitchell sent scouts to watch the winger score and assist in a midweek victory for Real Sociedad against Ajax.
However, officials from Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal were in attendance for the winger’s show-stealing performance, sparking a tough race for his signature.
Still just 23 years old, Kubo is a player who looks destined for a big move. Given Newcastle’s current desire to upgrade the options on their right-hand side, the Japan star could quickly become the ideal signing for those at St James’ Park.
"Hero" Kubo would be an upgrade on Almiron
Yet to even reach his prime, Kubo would be an instant upgrade on Almiron and take Harvey Barnes all the way in the battle to start in Howe’s frontline.
The Sociedad star has managed four goals and one assist in all competitions in the current campaign, mirroring Barnes’ current output for Newcastle and indicating the kind of rivalry that could be created between the two should the former complete a transfer.
Having two options capable of pushing each other all the way should be seen as the key to success on Tyneside. That competition and strength in depth is something that the Magpies so desperately lack. Dubbed “Japan’s hero” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig at the 2020 Olympics, Kubo could swap Sociedad for the Premier League when 2025 arrives.
As Newcastle search for a new hero of their own, they could turn the way of Kubo to discover an undoubted upgrade on Almiron and the ideal competition for Barnes on the right-hand side.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will surely be delighted with his team’s start to the 2024/25 campaign after they went into the last international break of the year in first place in the Scottish Premiership.
A 2-0 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday ensured that the Hoops are top of the division on goal difference, after Aberdeen’s 4-1 win over Dundee on Saturday had put them in first initially.
Goals from Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn extended the club’s record to ten wins and one draw, which came against the Dons, in 11 league matches this season.
The Scottish giants have also caught the eye with their performances in Europe, beating RB Leipzig and Slovan, and drawing with Atalanta, although they were beaten 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund.
Despite the club’s fantastic start to the season, the recruitment team and Rodgers will constantly be looking at players who could come in to improve the group.
The squad is constantly evolving and there will be players who move on in the January transfer window, or next summer, and that will open the door for fresh recruits to bolster the side.
In fact, Celtic are already reportedly looking at a star who could come in to give the squad and potentially Arne Engels a boost ahead of the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.
Arne Engels' form for Celtic this season
The Belgium international joined for a club-record fee from Bundesliga side Augsburg during the summer transfer window and has had mixed success so far.
He has racked up three goals and six assists in 14 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants so far, which is a more than respectable return for a 21-year-old adapting to life in a new country.
His most recent showing against Kilmarnock on Sunday was disappointing, though, as Football FanCast published an article outlining his struggles on the artificial pitch, with one ground duel won and 16 losses of possession without creating any chances.
Appearances
8
Goals
2
Big chances created
3
Assists
0
Tackles + interceptions per game
0.7
As you can see in the table above, Engels is unlucky to have not registered a single assist in the Premiership this season, with three ‘big chances’ created.
However, he has struggled to make an impact out of possession, as was the case against Kilmarnock, with less than one tackle and interception combined per match, and that is where this potential new signing could take some of the pressure off him.
Celtic interested in Premier League midfielder
According to CaughtOffside, Celtic are keen on Liverpool’s Wataru Endo and are far from the only team interested in signing the central midfielder.
The report claims that the Hoops are one of a number of sides eyeing up the former Stuttgart dynamo, with AC Milan, Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Ipswich Town also said to be lining up a move for the Reds outcast.
It states that all of those clubs, including Celtic, have ‘shown’ an interest in the Japan international and could swoop for him when the January transfer window opens for business.
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo
CaughtOffside adds that Endo is open to completing a move away from Anfield after the turn of the year because of his lack of minutes on the pitch under Arne Slot, with zero starts and five substitute appearances – totalling 25 minutes of action – in the Premier League this season.
The outlet claims that Liverpool could accept a fee of up to €18m (£15m) for the former Bundesliga battler, but does not outright state that Slot wants to cash in on the rarely-seen midfielder.
A fee of £15m for a player who turns 32 this season, in February, does not seem like a viable move for Celtic, when you consider that their club-record is the £11m that they paid for Arne Engels this summer.
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However, the Hoops could possibly attempt to convince Liverpool to sanction a loan in the second half of the season, which could bolster Rodgers’ squad and provide Endo with a chance to shine and increase his value and number of suitors with strong performances.
The Japanese midfielder, if he can recapture his best form, could be a signing that would allow Engels to shine even brighter in the middle of the park.
Why Celtic should sign Endo
If the Hoops can secure a loan deal for the second half of the season, the Liverpool midfielder could provide a combative presence in the middle of the park to make up for Engels’ struggles in that department.
The Japanese gem has rarely got on the pitch this term but did play 29 times under Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League last season and averaged 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game, along with 2.9 ground duels won per game.
He also ranked within the top 33% of midfielders in the league for progressive passes per 90 (5.28), which shows that he can cut out opposition attacks and build forward moves for his own team when in possession by progressing the ball forward.
Endo, who was hailed as “exceptional” and a “machine” by Klopp, also showcased his quality out of possession during his time with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, prior to his move to Liverpool in the summer of 2023.
Appearances
33
Goals
5
Assists
4
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.9
Duel success rate
52%
As you can see in the table above, the 31-year-old star provided quality on the ball, with nine goal contributions, but was also strong at winning the ball back for his side, cutting out opposition attacks with vital interventions.
His 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game are impressive when you consider that no Celtic midfielder has managed more than 2.6 per outing, and Paulo Bernardo (2.6) is the only midfielder with more than 1.7 per match.
Liverpool's Wataru Endo chases Julio Enciso
Endo has the defensive quality to be a stopper in the middle of the park and that could free up Engles, as well as the likes of Reo Hatate, Bernardo, and Luke McCowan to push on and not exert as much energy defensively.
Therefore, signing the Japanese whiz to compete with the captain for a spot at the base of the midfield could help the club’s record-signing, who has struggled off the ball.
Celtic messed up with Rodgers flop who earned as much as Matt O'Riley
Celtic might have expected more to come from the money they invested in the defender.