Celtic Closing in on Chelsea Teenager Landon Emenalo
Celtic are closing in on a season-long loan for Chelsea teenager Landon Emenalo as Martin O’Neill’s rebuild gathers serious pace.
The 18-year-old has been lined up as cover and competition for Kieran Tierney at left-back and is expected to become the latest fresh face through the door at Celtic Park, according to Stephen McGowan of The Herald.
Chelsea prospect on the move
Emenalo carries a familiar surname. He is the son of former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo and has come through the Stamford Bridge academy, ticking off all the usual milestones for a highly rated prospect.
He has already worn the colours of both England and the United States at youth level, a measure of how highly he is regarded on either side of the Atlantic.
His position, though, has evolved. Once viewed primarily as a midfielder or central defender, he caught the eye at left-back during three of Chelsea’s pre-season outings under Xabi Alonso, convincing scouts that he can operate in that role at senior level.
Celtic now want him to do that in Glasgow, with O’Neill keen to ensure Tierney is not left exposed across a long, demanding campaign.
O’Neill’s overhaul gathers speed
Emenalo’s impending arrival drops into the middle of a frantic spell of business.
Celtic have already sealed a £6million deal for Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan, who has signed a four-year contract that includes an option for an extra season. German Under-21 midfielder Mika Baur has travelled to Glasgow and is due to undergo a medical as he closes in on his own move.
Those two follow earlier summer additions Camilo Duran and Danish striker Kasper Høgh. If Hassan, Baur and Emenalo are all finalised in time, O’Neill could have a significantly reshaped squad available for next week’s Champions League play-off first leg against LASK Linz.
The manager has been clear that he wants quality rather than a bloated squad, and the profile of his targets reflects that. Even so, he is not done yet. A new goalkeeper remains on the shopping list.
Big bids looming for key men
While arrivals dominate the headlines, Celtic know the story of this window will also be written by who they manage to keep.
West Ham are expected to come back with an improved package worth £25million for Arne Engels after initial interest. That sort of money tests any club’s resolve, even one pushing for the Champions League group stage.
On the opposite flank, Celtic are determined not to lose Alistair Johnston despite firm attention from Everton. The Scottish champions are understood to value the Canadian right-back at more than £15million, a figure that has forced the Premier League side to look at other options as they weigh up their next move.
O’Neill’s squad is being rebuilt on the fly, with youth, resale value and versatility at the heart of the plan. The question now is simple: when the Champions League anthem hits next week, will this be a Celtic side strengthened for the fight or one still bracing for another bid?
