Celtic Close in on Loan for 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 picked out as cover and competition for Kieran Tierney at left-back and could be the next fresh face through the door at Celtic Park, according to Stephen McGowan of The Herald. If the deal is completed, Emenalo will arrive with a reputation as one of Chelsea’s more versatile academy products.
Son of former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, the youngster has come through the Stamford Bridge system and already ticked off international experience with both England and the United States at youth level. That background has put him on the radar of several clubs, but Celtic have moved to the front of the queue.
His role has not always been on the flank. Emenalo was initially viewed as a midfielder or central defender, yet he caught the eye at left-back during three of Chelsea’s pre-season outings under Xabi Alonso. Those performances have sharpened Celtic’s interest and offered O’Neill a potential solution in an area where Tierney has often carried a heavy load.
Frantic Business in Glasgow
The move sits inside a frantic spell of business in Glasgow. Celtic have already sealed a £6million deal for Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan, who has signed a four-year contract with an option for an extra season. Hassan adds pace and directness in the final third, a profile O’Neill has been keen to inject into his attack.
German Under-21 midfielder Mika Baur is next in line. He has travelled to Glasgow and is due to undergo a medical as he edges closer to completing his switch. If all goes to plan, he will join a growing list of new arrivals.
- Camilo Duran
- Danish striker Kasper Høgh
- Haissem Hassan
- Mika Baur
- Potentially Landon Emenalo
Now Hassan, Baur and potentially Emenalo could all be available in time for next week’s Champions League play-off first leg against LASK Linz. O’Neill wanted reinforcements before that tie; the board are moving to deliver them.
Through all this activity, the manager has been clear: this is not a scattergun spree. He has repeatedly stressed that Celtic must chase quality over quantity, and the club are still working on another key piece – a goalkeeper remains on the shopping list.
While the arrivals dominate the headlines, the exits could yet reshape the squad just as dramatically.
West Ham are expected to come back with an improved offer worth £25million for Arne Engels after their initial interest. That level of money would force a conversation at Celtic Park, even as O’Neill looks to keep his core intact.
On the opposite flank, Celtic are digging in. They are reluctant to part with Alistair Johnston despite firm interest from Everton. The Scottish champions are understood to want more than £15million for the Canadian right-back, and Everton are now weighing up alternative targets.
New faces, big bids, and a Champions League play-off looming: O’Neill’s Celtic are being rebuilt at speed. The question now is how different this squad will look by the time LASK Linz arrive in Glasgow.
