Motherwell Sign Joe Hodge from Tondela
Motherwell have moved decisively in the market, sealing a deal for Republic of Ireland midfielder Joe Hodge from Portuguese side Tondela for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old, once tipped as a long-term prospect at Manchester City, arrives with a career that already spans England, Portugal and the international stage. Raised in Manchester City’s academy, Hodge later joined Wolves, making 13 senior appearances and taking in loan spells at QPR and Huddersfield before heading to the Portuguese top flight for last season.
His progress has been mirrored on the international front. Having represented the Republic of Ireland through the age groups, he made his senior debut in June against Canada, a significant milestone for a player still shaping his club career.
Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson made it clear Hodge was a priority signing.
“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.”
The feeling is mutual. Hodge has been tracking his new club closely.
“I’ve been so keen to get this done,” he said. “Having watched Motherwell games last season and the games this season, I’ve been itching to get involved.
“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 have secured their man, Celtic look ready to accelerate their own business.
Celtic eye Baur as talks open
Long-term target Mika Baur has reportedly been granted permission to hold transfer talks, raising the prospect of a late-window push from the Scottish champions.
German outlet Neue Westfalische reports that newly promoted Bundesliga side Paderborn have allowed the 22-year-old attacking midfielder time off for discussions, with Baur missing training on Wednesday morning.
Celtic have tracked Baur throughout the summer. The major obstacle has been the fee, with the player about to enter the final year of his contract at Paderborn, the club he joined from Freiburg in 2024.
Baur arrives with serious mileage for his age. A Germany Under-21 international, he racked up more than 60 league appearances for Freiburg’s second team as a teenager and has already passed 40 first-team outings for Paderborn.
If Celtic can finally unlock that deal, it may only be the start.
Hassan next in line?
Celtic have also been strongly tipped to move for Egypt international and Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan in the coming days.
The 24-year-old, who previously represented France at youth level, enhanced his reputation with eye-catching performances in the knockout stages of the World Cup, and his name has stayed on recruitment lists since.
Motherwell have their midfield fulcrum in place. Celtic, it seems, are just getting warmed up.
