Motherwell Signs Joe Hodge from Tondela as Celtic Pursue Attacking Options
Motherwell have moved decisively in the market, sealing a deal for Republic of Ireland international Joe Hodge from Portuguese side Tondela for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old midfielder arrives with a CV that stretches well beyond his years. Raised in Manchester City’s academy in his home city, Hodge later joined Wolves, making 13 first-team appearances and stepping into the Premier League against elite opposition. Loan spells at QPR and Huddersfield toughened him up in the English game before a season in Portugal’s top flight with Tondela added a different edge to his development.
His progress at club level has been mirrored on the international stage. Having represented the Republic of Ireland through the age groups, Hodge made his senior debut against Canada in June, a milestone that underlines his growing reputation.
Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson believes he has landed exactly the profile of midfielder he wants at the heart of his team.
“Joe is an excellent footballer who fits the profile for the type of midfielder we want in our squad,” Johansson told the club’s website. “He has played in the Premier League against some of the best players in the world and has gained experience in English and Portuguese football. At 23, he has achieved a lot, but there is more to come from this young man.
“We feel we play a brand of football that will allow Joe to flourish and develop further. He made it very clear that he wanted to play for Motherwell from the very start of this process, so I’m pleased we’re at this stage.”
Hodge, for his part, sounded impatient to get started.
“I’ve been so keen to get this done. Having watched Motherwell games last season and the games this season, I’ve been itching to get involved,” he said. “As a footballer, you want to play in football teams that you feel are best suited to your qualities, and I feel this group of coaches and players are a perfect match for me.”
While Motherwell strengthen their midfield, Celtic look ready to ignite their own late-window business.
Celtic circle Baur as talks open
Long-term target Mika Baur has reportedly been granted permission to hold transfer talks, a significant shift in a pursuit that has rumbled on throughout the summer.
German outlet Neue Westfaliche reported that newly promoted Bundesliga club Paderborn confirmed the 22-year-old had been given time off for discussions and missed training on Wednesday morning. That absence has only intensified speculation that Celtic are finally closing in.
The Scottish champions have tracked the attacking midfielder for months, with the transfer fee viewed as the main obstacle. Baur is entering the final year of his contract with Paderborn, the club he joined from Freiburg in 2024, a situation that hands the buying side a little more leverage.
Baur already boasts substantial senior experience for his age. He made more than 60 league appearances for Freiburg’s second team as a teenager and has clocked up over 40 first-team games for Paderborn. He is also a Germany Under-21 international, a marker of his standing within his country’s next generation.
If Celtic get this one over the line, they will be adding a versatile, forward-thinking midfielder at a time when creativity between the lines can decide tight domestic and European nights.
Hassan next in line
The Glasgow club are not stopping there. They have also been strongly tipped to sign Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan in the coming days.
The 24-year-old, who previously represented France at youth level before switching to Egypt, has seen his stock rise sharply. His performances in the knockout stages of the World Cup turned heads, showcasing a wide player with the confidence to take on defenders and impact big occasions.
Celtic’s interest in Hassan, coupled with the advanced situation around Baur, points towards a late push to refresh their attacking options.
Motherwell already have their man in Joe Hodge. Celtic now stand on the brink of answering with a statement of their own.
