Celtic man was finished under Rodgers, now he can be undroppable for Nancy

Celtic’s wait for a European away win is over.

On Thursday night, despite falling behind inside 11 minutes, the Hoops fought back to beat Feyenoord 3-1 at De Kuip; Yang Hyun-jun, Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren the scorers on a famous night in Rotterdam.

Before this, the Celts had failed to win any of their last 16 European fixtures on the road, dating back four years.

In fact, since reaching the UEFA Cup Final under Martin O’Neill in 2003, they have won only six times on the continent, excluding qualifiers, enjoying wins over Spartak Moskva, Anderlecht, Rosenborg, Lazio, Ferencváros and now Feyenoord across the last 22 seasons.

In terms of this season, the victory propels the Celts up to 21st in the gigantic Europa League table, a major boost to their hopes of reaching the knockout stages, with games against Roma, Bologna and then Utrecht still to come.

So, which Celtic star looked like an £100m player during this win at De Kuip?

Celtic's new manager latest

Since returning to the club on an interim basis, O’Neill could hardly have done much better.

He has won three Premiership matches out of three, ousted Rangers in the League Cup semi-finals and now claimed a memorable European victory in the Netherlands; the shellacking against Midtjylland in Herning the only blot on his copybook.

Nevertheless, for how much longer will he remain in interim charge?

Well, the 73 year old, alongside Shaun Maloney, will still be at the helm for Sunday’s clash with Hibernian at Easter Road, but could that be the final game of their tenure?

That’s because, according to widespread reports, the club are now in advanced talks with Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy, with some optimistic that the Frenchman could be in place in time for next Wednesday’s clash with Dundee.

Considering they take on current Premiership leaders Hearts and then the side top of Serie A Roma thereafter, the board will be desperate to get Nancy in as quickly as possible.

Assuming the Frenchman was watching Thursday’s win over Feyenoord, potentially while enjoying some Thanksgiving food in Ohio, one player in particular surely will have caught his eye.

Celtic's best player vs Feyenoord

Towards the end of Brendan Rodgers’ tenure, Reo Hatate found himself no longer a guaranteed starter, only on the bench for the Europa League home defeat to Braga, before not getting on at all during a dismal goalless draw with Hibs in September.

Nevertheless, having been made a key figure under O’Neill, he was the star of the show in Rotterdam.

Hatate spectacularly set up Yang’s equaliser before, soon after, coolly slotting home the second, rolling the ball into an unguarded net from long-range after some trademark closing down by Daizen Maeda forced Timon Wellenreuther into a catastrophic error.

Overall, the midfield maestro completed 89% of his passes, took two shots, created one big chance and registered nine ball recoveries, underlining that he was everywhere.

After a 3-3 draw with Rangers at Ibrox last year, Brendan Rodgers asserted that Hatate “gives it away too much for my liking”, labelling him “sloppy’, a sign of his decline in form and importance.

Now though, he is playing at a comparable level to Enzo Fernandez, according to FBref, who note that the players are statistically and stylistically similar among those in their position across Europe.

That is a sign of Hatate’s recent revival, not least with Fernandez having not too long ago been signed by Chelsea for a fee of around £107m from Benfica.

Such a comparison is no unwarranted either, with Hatate arguably putting in his best performance of the season against Feyenoord, while operating in a Fernandez-esque, more advanced midfield berth

Hatate – last 365 days

Stats

Hatate

Non-penalty Goals

0.13

Assists

0.26

Shot-creating actions

2.31

Pass completion

83%

Progressive passes

4.31

Progressive carries

1.16

Successful take-ons

0.77

Tackles

1.28

Interceptions

0.51

via FBref

Meantime, the Japanese star is proving just what a goal threat he is in Europe too, scoring against both Midtjylland and Feyenoord, also registering an assist at De Kuip this week.

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate.

Given how impressive Hatate has been since first arriving at Parkhead almost four years ago, it is frankly a surprise that a Premier League club has not come in and poached him.

Celtic supporters will hope that remains the case, with the 28-year-old likely to be a central, undroppable figure when Nancy does finally arrive.

As good as Hatate: Celtic flop showed he can be "world class" under Nancy

Celtic beat Feyenoord 3-1 at De Kuip in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, and one player showed his “world class’ potential, as good as Reo Hatate.

By
Ben Gray

Nov 28, 2025

What's the MLB Record for Most Home Runs in One Game?

The New York Yankees nearly made MLB history on March 29 in their second game of the 2025 season.

In a 20–9 rout of the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium, New York hammered nine home runs, including three from two-time AL MVP Aaron Judge. The Yankees started the ballgame with a bang, hitting three homers on the first three pitches they saw, and the bats didn't quiet down the rest of the afternoon.

So, how close did the Yankees come to making history in that game? Let's take a look:

MLB Record for Most Home Runs in One Game

The all-time record for homers hit in a single game (since 1901) is 10—set by the Toronto Blue Jays in an 18–3 win on Sept. 14, 1987. Ernie Whitt blasted three dingers himself that game, and teammates Rance Mulliniks and George Bell knocked two bombs apiece.

With Oswald Peraza's two-run shot in the seventh inning, the Yankees became just the third team in MLB history to mash at least nine homers in one game.

The only other team in MLB history to hit more than eight homers in a single game is the 1999 Cincinnati Reds, who pummeled nine long balls in a blowout win over the Phillies on Sept. 4 of that year.

Thirty other teams have hit eight homers in a single game, most recently the Oakland Athletics in an 18–3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on July 14, 2024.

TEAM

DATE

HOMERS

FINAL SCORE

Blue Jays

Sept. 14, 1987

10

Toronto 18, Baltimore 3

Reds

Sept. 4, 1999

9

Cincinnati 22, Philadelphia 3

Yankees

March 29, 2025

9

New York 20, Milwaukee 9

30 teams

8

Arsenal offered 21-goal striker who's a "priority signing" for Tottenham

It is practically indisputable that Arsenal are in the market for a new striker this summer, and Mikel Arteta’s side have now been handed the chance to get one over on arch rivals Tottenham by signing a key target of Thomas Frank’s side.

Arsenal make contact to sign trophy-laden £400k-per-week ex-Man City star

He’d be quite the addition to Arteta’s dressing room.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 17, 2025

New sporting director Andrea Berta is currently busy attempting to negotiate agreeable terms on a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but find themselves some way off the Bundesliga side’s asking price of around £68-85 million, according to Sky Germany’s (Florian Plettenberg).

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Arsenal negotiations for Sesko have been ongoing since late May, but if a deal cannot be struck for the Slovenia international, Berta does have other reported striker targets on his shortlist.

Arsenal have also worked on a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is currently keen on a move to north London and open to joining other high-profile Premier League suitors like Man United.

“Viktor Gyökeres prefers a move to the Premier League, and would welcome an Arsenal bid,” reported Ben Jacobs on X recently.

“Arsenal still deciding between Benjamin Sesko and Gyökeres. Andrea Berta simultaneously advancing both deals. Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions.

“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m. Arsenal have always been one to watch, but it will depend on Berta now because he is also in ongoing talks for Sesko at the same time, with a bid for one of the two targets expected soon.”

Either centre-forward would be an upgrade on Arteta’s current options. Sesko is fresh off a career-best Bundesliga campaign at Leipzig, while Gyokeres has just guided Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years after scoring 54 goals in all competitions.

However, Arsenal now also have a new left-field option.

Arsenal offered Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat

According to website Just Arsenal, Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat has been put forward to Arteta’s side.

Vanat scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, helping Kyiv to lift the Ukranian Premier League title whilst ending the season unbeaten. He also finished 2024/2025 as the division’s top scorer with 17, and this has attracted some attention from England.

It is now believed that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Vanat, who has a reported £17 million release clause in his contract. Arteta doesn’t view the 23-year-old’s signing as an urgent need right now, but is fully aware of Vanat’s quality, so it’s apparently a situation they could revisit later in the window.

However, if they do decide they want him, Arsenal will need to be wary of rival interest. Manchester United, Leeds United, Everton, and Tottenham are all keen on Vanat, with the latter even viewing him as a “priority signing” for new manager Frank.

Development: Leeds now very hopeful of signing "underrated" £17m colossus

Leeds United are now very hopeful they will be able to lure “one of the most underrated defenders in Europe” to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

Leeds looking to improve their defence

Leeds will know all too well the importance of having a strong defence in the Premier League, having suffered relegation to the Championship after shipping the most goals in the top flight in the 2022-23 campaign, and they have now set out to bolster their options at the back.

Indeed, the Whites have identified a number of defensive targets, while they have also set out to bring in a new goalkeeper, given that Illan Meslier infamously made a number of high-profile errors last season.

Target

Current club

Position

Yahia Fofana

Angers

GK

Nick Pope

Newcastle United

GK

Dara O’Shea

Ipswich Town

CB

Japhet Tanganga

Millwall

CB

Anthony Caci

Mainz 05

LB

The likes of Pope, O’Shea and Tanganga have experience in the Premier League, which could be of key significance when it comes to avoiding the drop next season, but Daniel Farke has also set his sights on adding a Serie A defender to his ranks.

That is according to a report from The Yorkshire Evening Post, which states Leeds are now very hopeful of signing Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol, given that Premier League football is set to be on offer at Elland Road.

Farke already has a number of options at centre-back, but departures are said to be inevitable, with Max Wober deemed the most likely to leave, although cashing in on Pascal Struijk could be an attractive proposition from a PSR point of view.

Previous reports have revealed Udinese would be looking to receive a fee of around £17m for Bijol, which should be affordable for a club that is now back in the Premier League.

£50,000-a-week Leeds star unhappy with offer as new contract talks stall

Leeds are now looking to tie down one of their key players from the 2024/25 season, but talks are stalling.

1

By
Brett Worthington

Jun 9, 2025

Bijol could be among Europe's most "underrated" defenders

It would be fair to say journalist Bence Bocsak doesn’t believe the Udinese defender gets the respect he deserves, given his talent, having described the Leeds target as “one of the most underrated defenders in Europe” after impressing at Euro 2024.

The Slovenian is aerially dominant, placing in the 93rd percentile for aerials won per 90 over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs, while he has previously proven himself to be a threat in the opposition area on occasion.

The 6-foot-3 colossus could be a solid signing for Leeds this summer, and £17m feels like a fair fee, given that Bijol has impressed at international level, while also remaining a key player for Udinese throughout the 2024-25 campaign, making 37 appearances in all competitions.

Newcastle now readying double swoop to sign £65m star and 20-goal forward

With Champions League qualification secured, Newcastle United are now reportedly readying a double swoop worth over £100m to sign two impressive additions this summer.

Newcastle seal Champions League qualification

It wasn’t done the easy way, but Newcastle secured their place in next season’s Champions League on the final day of the season despite losing against Everton. In the end, it was Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa which helped the Magpies avoid the worst-case scenario. Eddie Howe won’t care how his side did it, however. All he will be thinking about is the chance to step into the dugout among Europe’s elite for the second time in three seasons.

Having more than played his part as club captain this season, Bruno Guimaraes expressed his delight after earning a place back in the Champions League on the final day. The Brazilian told reporters: “Feel very well, feel unbelievable. I think for me, it has been an unbelievable year. First year as a captain, played 38 of 38 games in the Premier League. I’m very, very happy.

“Winning a trophy for this club. What a season. I will always remember this one. I’m very, very happy and proud of our team, of myself, of these fans. Next season, we go back again. We never stop. We’ve won a cup, but we want more.”

After struggling to maintain their form last season, the current campaign couldn’t have gone much better for those at St James’ Park. As Guimaraes reiterated, however, they’ll be keen to ensure that this is just the start.

The next Trippier: Newcastle express interest in "stupidly good" £29m star

Newcastle are looking to add to their depth at right-back

By
Joe Nuttall

May 28, 2025

What that success has done too, is hand PIF the chance to spend big again at long last. With their PSR problems eased, Newcastle could finally hand Howe the reinforcements that he’s been needing, including the addition of two excellent Premier League stars.

Newcastle readying double Mbeumo and Guehi swoop

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are now readying a double move to sign Bryan Mbuemo and Marc Guehi from Brentford and Crystal Palace. Both deals would make significant statements of the Magpies’ intent and both would cost hefty fees.

Mbeumo will reportedly cost in the region of £50m-60m, whilst Guehi has been valued at as much as £65m by Crystal Palace ahead of the summer transfer window, although the Magpies hope a compromise can be reached with the Eagles for their long-term target.

With PSR problems eased, however, spending may not be an issue for PIF, who could show off their financial power for the first time since initially arriving at St James’ Park.

Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi

Signing Guehi would particularly be a long time coming, given that Newcastle were heavily linked with the defender’s signature last summer. His arrival would also allow Howe to move Dan Burn back to left-back and form an impressive partnership between Sven Botman and his potential new arrival.

Meanwhile, Mbeumo needs little introduction these days after scoring 20 goals in all competitions for Brentford and keeping up with the talented Alexander Isak throughout the campaign.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Bryan Mbeumo

Alexander Isak

Starts

38

34

Goals

20

23

Assists

7

6

Expected Goals

12.3

20.3

It’s clear that the Brentford star would instantly take Newcastle’s frontline to another level just as Guehi would hand the Magpies the defensive boost that they’ve been searching for since last summer.

Aston Villa launch mega move to sign "strong" star who will be granted exit

Looking ahead towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly launched a mega move to sign a Ligue 1 midfielder who could become the perfect partner for Youri Tielemans.

Tielemans receives Team of the Year recognition

Having struggled to nail down a starting place at Villa Park in the early days under Unai Emery, Youri Tielemans was in danger of becoming a nearly man, having been touted for incredible things when he departed Belgium to join Leicester back in 2019. The season of 2024/25 has been the year of the Belgian at the heart of Villa’s midfield, however, and he is now undeniably crucial to Emery’s side.

Emery loves him: Aston Villa chasing a "special" £55m Rashford replacement

Aston Villa may have to replace Rashford this summer.

By
Joe Nuttall

May 21, 2025

The 28-year-old has finally reached the potential that many tipped him to reach many moons ago, and even earned his way into Jamie Carragher’s Team of the Season to recognise that on Monday Night Football.

Emery is well aware of Tielemans’ importance these days too, having told reporters in April: “He’s a guy who can pick up balls and make the team play, but also break up play just as easily. It’s a joy to play with him—and very easy.”

Finding the perfect partner for the former Leicester man hasn’t been quite as easy, though. Amadou Onana initially got off to an impressive start, but injury setbacks remain a concern even though he is undeniably a potential world class player at his best.

Youri Tielemans

Boubacar Kamara has also faced spells on the sidelines throughout his time in the Midlands. The fact is that Tielemans has been the consistent face at the heart of Villa’s side, as they have continued to fight for a place in the Champions League. And they must hand the Belgian a partner with similar consistency.

Aston Villa launch mega Diarra move

One target who could be perfect for that role comes in Ligue 1. According to reporter Mohamed Toubache-Ter, as relayed by Get French Football News, Aston Villa have now launched a mega move to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, who will allow their captain to leave if the right offer arrives this summer.

The 21-year-old, like the majority of his teammates, has enjoyed an impressive season under Liam Rosenior and could now be on the move as a result. Already a leader despite his tender age, Diarra ticks a number of crucial boxes needed to partner Tielemans at the centre of Emery’s strongest side.

League stats 24/25 per 90 (via FBref)

Habib Diarra

Youri Tielemans

Starts

30

35

Progressive Passes

4.44

7.03

Progressive Carries

2.34

1.17

Ball Recoveries

3.45

4.35

Whilst the numbers show just how impressive Tielemans has been in possession this season, they also highlight that Diarra could complete the ball-carrying in Villa’s midfield. Both players, looking at their strengths, would complement each other almost perfectly to hide any clear weaknesses in their respective games.

Analyst Ben Mattinson shared similar praise for the Strasbourg captain, dubbing the Aston Villa target a “strong ball carrier” and a “very complete midfielder” earlier this season.

Slot's next Van Dijk: Liverpool line up move for "monstrous" £80m defender

Liverpool’s season may well be over, but that’s only because Arne Slot’s side have wrapped up the Premier League title with plenty of time to spare.

Anfield’s chief decision-makers are bound to be hard at work right now, perhaps finding their transfer plans accelerated after such dominance in the English top flight.

Of course, that’s not the only reason Liverpool’s season is done and dusted, if we’re being candid. The Merseysiders have no FA Cup or Champions League final to prepare for, having been dumped out of both competitions at premature stages.

Jarell Quansah for Liverpool

This isn’t really to the detriment of Slot’s squad, merely a reflection of the unforeseen heights reached this season. Few expected Liverpool to go from strength to strength after Jurgen Klopp left last year, let alone win the league title.

Slot has been stringent in his team rotation, and will need to add depth this summer. Luckily, he’s had an absolute rock of a leader in Virgil van Dijk, unflappable, unmovable.

The importance of Van Dijk to Liverpool

The importance of Van Dijk. It really can’t be overstated how significant a part of Liverpool’s rise and rise he has been. Without this towering Dutchman, Klopp’s dynasty wouldn’t have scaled the mountain between good and greatness.

The art of spending wisely. Sure, Van Dijk cost Liverpool a world-record £75m fee, leaving Southampton on the South Coast in January 2018, but has there ever been a defender in that ballpark, and there are more, who have given their new employers the same bang for their buck?

Van Dijk took the captain’s armband from Jordan Henderson at the end of the 2022/23 season, but he’s been a leader ever since he arrived.

However, that level has been notched up since assuming the new weight of responsibility, for he led the resurgence last year, put Liverpool back in the Champions League and scored the winning goal in the Carabao Cup final. Now, he’s skippered his way toward a second Premier League title, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher saying, “he’s too good for the highest level” of football.

Carabao Cup winner Virgil van Dijk.

Tying the 33-year-old down to a new deal was always going to be imperative, and now he joins Mohamed Salah in devoting two more years of his prime to this wonderful club.

Maybe the final two years of his career at the highest level. Maybe, time works its hands onto every world-class player, and there will come a point when Carragher’s effusions no longer ring true.

Maybe Liverpool would be prudent to find and sign a successor this summer.

Liverpool add new centre-back to their shortlist

Liverpool need someone who’s capable of filling Van Dijk’s boots for years to come. Preferably, they would be a left-footed centre-half.

Transfer Focus

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

Dean Huijsen is the talk of the town, but Liverpool might actually be ready to head down a different track and sign Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.

According to DaveOCKOP, 22-year-old Murillo is one of the shortlisted names ahead of the summer window, his blend of meaty athleticism and technical quality making him the perfect option for a team challenging at the top of the European pyramid each year.

However, he wouldn’t come cheap. It was suggested a few months back that Forest will demand £80m for the defender, with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also considered suitors.

What Murillo would bring to Liverpool

Nuno Espirito Santo has worked wonders at Forest. He’s transformed the club from relegation stragglers to genuine Champions League contenders, with their fate hanging in the balance ahead of the final few matches of the season.

Forest were hit with a points deduction after breaching financial fair play (FFP) rules in the 2022/23 season. The windfall from securing a seat at Europe’s eminent table would ease their worries this summer, but FFP compliance will be a tricky slope to navigate in any case, and Liverpool could take advantage.

Certainly, Murillo still has progress to make in his professional journey, but that’s why Liverpool should act now, adding the Brazilian to a rich backline and allowing him to learn under Van Dijk’s wing before settling into an enhanced role.

Make no mistake, Murillo’s already got enough in his locker to make a marked improvement on Liverpool’s defence. Hailed for his “monstrous” performances by journalist Ryan Taylor, he’s menacing and unflinching in his duties.

The Tricky Trees star isn’t the finished article, but he’s already performing at a level that challenges Van Dijk for his throne.

Prem 24/25 – Virgil van Dijk vs Murillo

Stats (* per game)

Van Dijk

Murillo

Matches (starts)

35 (35)

34 (34)

Goals

3

2

Assists

1

0

Clean sheets

14

11

Touches*

90.5

54.9

Pass completion

92%

79%

Key passes*

0.3

0.4

Dribbles*

0.1

0.8

Ball recoveries*

3.1

3.9

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

2.5

Clearances*

5.1

6.8

Aerial duels won (%)*

3.2 (71%)

1.3 (66%)

Stats via Sofascore

In fact, he’s been described as being “easily one of the best defenders in the league” by talent scout Jacek Kulig only a few months ago, not all that far away from Liverpool’s main man.

Murillo is energetic and creative too. While defending his goalkeeper serves as his principal aim, the £xxk-per-week talent has also garnered something of a reputation for his powerful surges forward, thus sparking creative opportunities for his forward-placed teammates.

FBref back it all up: across Europe’s top five leagues this season, Murillo ranks among the top 3% of positional peers for blocks and clearances, while also ranking among the top 2% for successful take-ons and the top 12% for shot-creating actions per 90.

You can see why Liverpool are so interested in striking a deal this summer, with Murillo ticking all the boxes.

6 foot even, he’s not the tallest of centre-back but Murillo uses his aerial prowess so well, and must be brought to Anfield this summer to begin the next chapter in his career, one building toward a point in which he succeeds Van Dijk as Liverpool star man at the back.

Dream Kerkez alternative: Liverpool plot move for "incredible" £50m star

Liverpool could forget about Milos Kerkez with a summer deal for another left-back.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 7, 2025

Sky Sports: Chelsea in talks to sign £50m+ forward with "electric pace"

Chelsea are now showing “concrete interest” in signing a winger with “electric pace”, and they have entered talks over a summer deal, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Blues keen to bolster attacking options

Several top Premier League clubs are looking to bring in a new striker, and the Blues are no exception, given that Nicolas Jackson has struggled in front of goal for large parts of the season, despite finding the back of the net against Everton on Saturday.

Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is among the main targets, with the west Londoners leading the race for the Englishman, who is set to be available for £30m this summer, now the Tractor Boys’ relegation from the top flight has been confirmed.

Not only is Enzo Maresca keen to bring in a new striker, but the manager is also looking at bolstering his options out wide, and talks have been opened over a deal for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, while the same report states Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is also of interest.

Chelsea now have "strong" chance of signing £206k-per-week Barcelona star

Enzo Maresca’s side have thrown their hat in the ring.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 26, 2025

Chelsea are looking at multiple targets from the Serie A, and they are also considering options from the Bundesliga, with Sky Sports reporter Plettenberg taking to X to reveal they have now opened talks for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.

Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in action

The Blues have expressed a “concrete interest” in signing the winger, as they “believe a talented English player should be playing in his home country”, and talks are ongoing with his management over a potential summer move.

Dortmund are open to offers in the region of €50m – €60m (£43m – £51m), and such is their level of interest, the west Londoners are willing to double Gittens’ salary.

"Electric" Gittens impressing at Dortmund

It has not been the best of seasons for Dortmund, who have fallen short of expectations in the Bundesliga, but the English winger has been a shining light, picking up eight goals and four assists in 29 league matches.

The starlet has also shown some promising signs in the Champions League, scoring four goals in the competition prior to Dortmund’s exit, while picking up one assist.

Not only that, but football scout Ben Mattinson is clearly a fan of the 20-year-old, praising him for his pace, while also claiming he could have more potential than Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola.

There are clear signs that Gittens could be destined for the very top, so it is exciting news that Chelsea are making moves to secure his signature.

"Very good" £3 million Brendan Rodgers signing now wants to leave Celtic

Celtic are in the market for reinforcements this summer, though may have to sanction a departure once the window opens following an admission from one of Brendan Rodgers’ signings.

Celtic hold Glasgow Derby parity as focus shifts elsewhere

Despite having several regulars out due to injury concerns, Celtic managed to claim a respectable 1-1 draw against Rangers at Ibrox last week to maintain their 17-point advantage at the Scottish Premiership summit.

Brendan Rodgers has already led his side to a fourth successive league title and had little to prove at the home of their trophyless rivals, though he did manage to stop an unwanted scenario of three Glasgow Derby defeats in a row.

Nevertheless, Celtic will now focus on their upcoming Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen before a summer of intrigue could yield movement in both directions at Parkhead.

Per reports, the Bhoys are known admirers of Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter, but it remains to be seen if they will return to the table for him once the window opens.

Western United defender Dylan Leonard has admitted he would love to join Celtic, even if he would likely be a developmental addition for years to come as opposed to a first-team starter.

Leeds celebrate title by eyeing £50k-p/w duo who have dominated for Celtic

The Whites are big admirers…

4

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 3, 2025

Champions League league phase involvement isn’t guaranteed, with Rodgers’ men having to navigate the final qualifying round. They are yet to know if they will be seeded or not in their quest to secure a place, which means they will need to kickstart their summer business early to allow a bedding-in period for prospective arrivals.

In turn, departures will be needed to supplement new faces, and they may have found a prime candidate to move on after they admitted they would like to leave Parkhead.

Gustaf Lagerbielke makes Celtic exit admission

Speaking about his future, Gustaf Lagerbielke has admitted he wants to leave Celtic for FC Twente permanently after spending the campaign on loan at the Eredivisie outfit.

He stated: “If we make it into Europe, Twente will have more money to spend. The same applies if Twente sells players in the summer. So it’s up to the technical directors of Celtic and Twente to reach an agreement about me.

Gustaf Lagerbielke at FC Twente – all competitions

Appearances

30

Goals

2

Assists

3

“I want to play and I feel good in the Netherlands. I can certainly imagine my future being here.”

Signed for £3 million by Rodgers in 2023, Lagerbielke never really got the opportunity to set the heather alight at Parkhead, making only ten appearances in total last season. Labelled “very good” by former teammate Johan Larsson, he has clearly found some sort of footing in Dutch football and may have given Celtic a platform to recoup some of their outlay for his services.

Moves don’t always work out, but his regular involvement with FC Twente should be enough to drum up enough interest even if they choose not to make his deal permanent.

EFL Championship standings 2024/25

2024/25 Championship table

Rank

Team

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Form

1

Leeds

44

27

13

4

89

29

+60

94

DWWWW

2

Burnley

44

26

16

2

61

15

+46

94

WDWWW

3

Sheff Utd*

44

27

7

10

60

35

+25

86

LLLWL

4

Sunderland

44

21

13

10

58

41

+17

76

WDLLL

5

Bristol City

44

17

16

11

57

49

+8

67

WWDWL

6

Coventry

44

19

9

16

62

57

+5

66

LWDWL

7

Middlesbrough

44

18

9

17

64

54

+10

63

WLLWL

8

Millwall

44

17

12

15

45

46

-1

63

WWWLW

9

Blackburn

44

18

8

18

50

46

+4

62

LDWWW

10

West Brom

44

14

18

12

52

44

+8

60

LLWLL

11

Swansea

44

17

9

18

48

52

-4

60

WWWWW

12

Watford

44

16

8

20

51

58

-7

56

LWLLL

13

Sheff Wed

44

15

11

18

58

67

-9

56

LDLLW

14

Norwich

44

13

14

17

67

66

+1

53

LDLLL

15

QPR

44

13

14

17

52

58

-6

53

DWDWL

16

Portsmouth

44

14

10

20

56

69

-13

52

LLDWW

17

Stoke

44

12

14

18

45

60

-15

50

DDWWL

18

Preston

44

10

19

15

45

55

-10

49

DDLLL

19

Oxford

44

12

13

19

44

62

-18

49

WLWLD

20

Hull

44

12

12

20

43

52

-9

48

WLDLW

21

Derby

44

12

10

22

47

56

-9

46

LDDLW

22

Luton

44

12

10

22

41

64

-23

46

DDLWW

23

Cardiff

44

9

16

19

46

69

-23

43

DDLLD

24

Plymouth

44

10

13

21

48

85

-37

43

WLWLW

*Sheff Utd deducted 2 points

The EFL Championship's top goalscorers of all time

The second tier has seen plenty of great goalscorers, but who leads the charts?

By
Stephan Georgiou

Feb 15, 2024

Championship results

21st April

Date

Team

v

Team

Mon 21st Apr

Cardiff

1-1

Oxford

Mon 21st Apr

Hull

2-1

Preston

Mon 21st Apr

Leeds

6-0

Stoke

Mon 21st Apr

Luton

3-1

Bristol City

Mon 21st Apr

Millwall

3-1

Norwich

Mon 21st Apr

Plymouth

3-1

Coventry

Mon 21st Apr

Portsmouth

1-0

Watford

Mon 21st Apr

QPR

1-2

Swansea

Mon 21st Apr

Sheff Wed

2-1

Middlesbrough

Mon 21st Apr

Sunderland

0-1

Blackburn

Mon 21st Apr

West Brom

1-3

Derby

Mon 21st Apr

Burnley

2-1

Sheff Utd

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These are the best clubs to grace the second tier.

By
Charlie Smith

May 17, 2025

Championship fixtures

25th-28th April

Date

Team

v

Team

Kick-off

Fri 25th Apr

Stoke

v

Sheff Utd

8pm

Sat 26th Apr

Luton

v

Coventry

12.30pm

Sat 26th Apr

QPR

v

Burnley

12.30pm

Sat 26th Apr

Blackburn

v

Watford

3pm

Sat 26th Apr

Cardiff

v

West Brom

3pm

Sat 26th Apr

Hull

v

Derby

3pm

Sat 26th Apr

Middlesbrough

v

Norwich

3pm

Sat 26th Apr

Millwall

v

Swansea

3pm

Sat 26th Apr

Oxford

v

Sunderland

3pm

Sat 26th Apr

Preston

v

Plymouth

3pm

Sat 26th Apr

Sheff Wed

v

Portsmouth

3pm

Mon 28th Apr

Leeds

v

Bristol City

8pm

2025 winter transfer window: Every done deal from the Championship

Every winter transfer from the second tier can be found here.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Feb 3, 2025

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