Celtic and Rangers Make Key Moves in Transfer Window
Celtic is preparing for a shake-up as forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha is set to depart due to manager Martin O’Neill’s strategic choices. The 25-year-old has caught the attention of several clubs, including Monza, Basel, and Elversberg.
In another significant development, Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has finalized a five-year contract with West Ham United after both clubs agreed on a £22 million transfer fee for the 22-year-old Belgian international. This deal will break the English Championship transfer record.
Celtic eyes Blackburn Rovers’ 28-year-old goalkeeper Balazs Toth, but the Championship outfit is demanding a fee exceeding £4 million. Meanwhile, new LA Galaxy signing Kyogo Furuhashi disclosed that he turned down an opportunity to return to Celtic, opting instead to assert his place with Birmingham City.
The club is also working to retain 17-year-old striker Emmanuel Obidiwe amid interest from Premier League teams.
Former Celtic full-back Efrain Juarez expressed his ambitions to eventually manage the Glasgow club.
In a surprising turn, PSV Eindhoven has expressed confusion regarding Rangers’ decision to withdraw from the £6.5 million transfer for 24-year-old winger Couhaib Driouech, stating that the player’s injury was already on the radar of the Ibrox club, anticipating a swift recovery.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes took an active role in securing left-back James Penrice on loan from AEK Athens. Additionally, former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson noted that while his son Lewis was a target, Bologna’s high valuation made the pursuit impractical.
Lastly, St Mirren has clinched a loan deal with Arsenal to bring in 20-year-old winger Ismeal Kabia.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha is poised to leave Celtic as the forward is a casualty of manager Martin O’Neill’s tactical approach, with Monza, Basel and Elversberg having scouted the 25-year-old. (Sacha Tavolieri on X)
Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has agreed terms on a five-year contract with West Ham United after the clubs settled on a £22m fee for the 22-year-old Belgium international. (Sky Sports)
Advertisement
The £22m fee agreed between Celtic and West Ham United will shatter the English Championship transfer record. (TeamTalk)
Blackburn Rovers 28-year-old Balazs Toth is high on the list of Celtic’s goalkeeping targets, although the Championship club will look for a fee of more than £4m. (Alan Nixon on Patreon)
New LA Galaxy forward Kyogo Furuhashi says he rejected the chance to return to Celtic as he was determined to establish himself with Birmingham City. (Record – subscription required)
Celtic are trying to fight off Premier League clubs in their bid to keep 17-year-old striker Emmanuel Obidiwe. (Record – subscription required)
Advertisement
Former Celtic full-back Efrain Juarez is adamant he is destined to return to the Glasgow club and manage them one day. (TUDN Faitelson sin Censura via Daily Record)
PSV Eindhoven have been left bemused by Rangers’ decision to pull out of the £6.5m deal for winger Couhaib Driouech as they believe the 24-year-old’s injury was known to the Ibrox club and he will soon be back to full fitness. (Anthony Joseph on X)
Rangers manager Derek McInnes personally intervened to secure the signing of 27-year-old left-back James Penrice on loan from AEK Athens. (TeamTalk)
Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson has hinted the Ibrox club did make contact with his son Lewis but suggests they wasted their time in doing so as Bologna valued the 26-year-old Scotland midfielder too highly. (Herald – subscription required)
Advertisement
St Mirren have agreed a deal with Arsenal to take 20-year-old winger Ismeal Kabiaon loan. (Sun)
[/gpt3]