Category Uncategorized

Aston Villa and Unai Emery have been handed a blow as it has emerged that one of their top January targets has now picked up another injury and won’t be available for multiple months, throwing any potential deal into doubt.

Villa looking to strengthen in attack

It had been an excellent start to the season for Aston Villa, but four consecutive losses in their most recent outings have tempered the feel-good factor in the Midlands somewhat.

Aston Villa had the original version of Duran, then Emery sold him for £2m

Aston Villa let this talent slip through the cracks

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 15, 2024

A shock loss to Club Brugge, courtesy of a controversial handball decision on defender Tyrone Mings, ended Emery’s 100% start to the Champions League with the Villans, though three wins at the halfway mark of the league stage still puts them well on course for progression into the knockout rounds.

In the Premier League, losses to fellow top four hopefuls Tottenham and Premier League leaders Liverpool have left the Villans sitting in ninth place, though given the congested nature of the early running they remain just a point behind third placed Chelsea, and they will be hoping that the international break will act as a reset to prevent their blip in form turning into a full downturn in performances and results.

They are expected to be active in the January transfer window as they look to re-qualify for the Champions League with a top four finish, but now doubt has been cast on a potential move.

Injury throws Aston Villa transfer into doubt

That comes as Sporting CP forward Pedro Goncalves has picked up yet another injury, which is set to keep him sidelined until the start of 2025. The Portuguese forward has been a revelation under Ruben Amorim, enjoying the best form of his career under the now-Manchester United boss, who dubbed him a “very intelligent” player who could play for “any team in the world”.

He has reportedly been a long term target for Aston Villa and Sport Witness had previously relayed reports that Villa were even preparing an offer to sign the 26-year-old forward in either the January transfer window or next summer.

Pedro Goncalves under Ruben Amorim
Appearances	190
Goals	81
Assists	61
Yellow Cards	32
Minutes per goal/assist	103.5

“He can play in any team in the world and with any player, because he is a great player,” Amorim said. “I could take him anywhere. He is very funny, which improves the personal relationship. But he is also very intelligent, but he also has to focus on Sporting because we have to be champions this year. But he could play in any team in the world.”

However, with Goncalves now injured for the rest of 2024, it is claimed that his injury-prone nature is a “red flag” for Villa, who don’t “want to invest a major amount on an injury prone player, regardless of how good he can be”.

With Amorim having also revealed he won’t plunder his former side in January, Goncalves may be forced to wait until the summer for a move out of Portugal, though with three years left still to run on his £38,000 a week deal and Sporting top of the Portuguese league, that may well have proved the case anyway.

Lauren Winfield-Hill will open batting despite indifferent form, confirms England’s Australian coach

Valkerie Baynes03-Mar-2022Lisa Keightley is more than happy for Australia to carry the “extra pressure” of being favourites into the World Cup as her side prepares to defend their title, starting against their arch rivals on Saturday.Keightley, England’s head coach, was part of the Australian teams which won the trophy in 1997 and 2005 and was Player of the Series when New Zealand triumphed on home soil in 2000. She believes that England have what it takes to win the World Cup five years on from defeating India in the final at Lord’s, despite their comprehensive defeat in the Ashes.A day after opener Tammy Beaumont said that England had been “written off” unfairly before the tournament, Keightley cited New Zealand’s nine-wicket warm-up win over Australia as a chance for a team to build momentum at the right time.”I’m happy to be where we are and Australia be favourites, that’s for sure,” Keightley said. “I think that becomes an extra pressure. If Australia look at it that way, I’m not too sure, but we know they’ve played pretty consistent cricket over the last two years. So, to be honest, they probably are favourites. They mightn’t say it but I think we all know that they probably are favourites.”In saying that, I think there’s a number of teams that, if you play well on your day and you take your chances, you can win a game of cricket. If that’s against Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, we’ve got to be playing good cricket, I do know that much for sure, and sometimes you’ve just got to get over the line and get the points.”Related

Kerr: 'If my family didn't get involved, I would still be suffering now'

It's all coming together nicely for New Zealand

Beaumont: 'Write England off at your peril'

Devine hopes to channel New Zealand's spirit of 2015

Keightley confirmed that Lauren Winfield-Hill would join Beaumont at the top of the order after her half-century in England’s first warm-up match with Bangladesh. Winfield-Hill hasn’t scored an ODI fifty since November 2016, well before she and Beaumont opened together in England’s last fifty-over World Cup campaign.”It’s definitely going to be Lauren and Tammy,” Keightley said. “As an opening combination, they’ve got a lot of experience. They really enjoy batting together. Lauren, in the last 12 matches, is averaging 28 and I expect her to improve that and dominate. The thing that they’ve done really well throughout the time they’ve got back together opening is how we start.”Usually they give us a pretty good foundation and it’s up to, as an opening bat for both players, to get big runs for us and extend a partnership as big as they can. I think in our group at the minute we’ve prepped for them to open for this World Cup, and we’re backing both girls in to get us off to good starts and cash in when they can.”Keightley said England’s entire batting line-up was “going in the right direction” following the disappointment of the Ashes, in which they were bowled out three times for modest totals as Australia swept the one-day leg of the series 3-0.”We’ve seen over the last 18 months that our batters can score runs against good bowling attacks, which has given us confidence, and then we saw in the Ashes, moments of our batters taking it to the Australian bowlers and putting them under pressure.”A couple of times throughout that Ashes we were in positions to win and that’s what you need to do. “The disappointing thing that we all had was we didn’t take those moments. It was tough in the last two games.”Lisa Keightley looks on during England’s final warm-up match•ICC/Getty ImagesKeightley also said Tash Farrant had recovered from a bout of food poisoning which forced her from the field mid-over during the Bangladesh match and it was hoped she could regain her strength sufficiently to be available for selection ahead of Saturday’s match in Hamilton.Fellow seam bowlers Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole are “in a good place”, Keightley added, with the veteran pair continuing to have their workloads managed, as was the case through the Ashes. Pitches and conditions will dictate whether Charlie Dean, who made her international debut in the home series against New Zealand last year, joins Sophie Ecclestone as a second spinner.Christchurch is expected to throw up a fast, seam-friendly surface for England’s sixth match, against Pakistan on March 24, which could see Dean left out, but Keightley looked forward to the possibility of Brunt and Shrubsole bowling in tandem. Brunt was the leading wicket-taker in the Ashes with 11 from four matches at an average of 13.45 while Shrubsole took three wickets from four matches.”They both know their bodies really well,” Keightley said. “We’ll obviously look to see how they’re travelling throughout the tournament because we definitely want them at the back end.”We don’t want to show all our cards but we know if they’re opening together, our powerplay is usually pretty good, so if we’re fully fit and play our strongest side, there’s definitely that combination that we like to get together as much as we can. But we’ll wait and see on match-ups and pitches and we’ll go from there.”

Newcastle United are believed to be eyeing a move for a “super” player in the January transfer window, according to a new update from The Athletic.

Newcastle transfer news

The next window is now only just over a month away from opening, meaning the Magpies are being linked with plenty of potential new signings. Motherwell teenager Lennon Miller is reportedly a target, with the 18-year-old a midfielder who could have a massive future in the game.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has been mentioned as a front-runner to come in and bolster Newcastle’s quality on the right wing. The 24-year-old has scored four goals in 12 appearances in the Premier League so far this season.

On the flip side, some Newcastle players are being linked with moves away from St James’ Park, not least star striker Alexander Isak. The Swede is wanted by the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, although £115m may be needed to prise him away from the Magpies.

Miguel Almiron’s exit from Newcastle also looks increasingly likely in January, with the 30-year-old not a big part of Eddie Howe’s plans anymore, hence the need for a player of Semenyo’s ilk. The player himself is keen on a new challenge at this point in his career, so it would arguably be a surprise if he was still at St James’ during the second half of the season.

Newcastle eyeing January move for "super" player

According to a new report from The Athletic, relayed by The 72, Newcastle are eyeing a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney in the next window.

A January move for the 22-year-old is mooted, with the update stating that he is being “watched” by the Magpies, as they contemplate new signings midway through the season.

Hackney may not be the world-renowned player that many Newcastle fans want to come in, but he is an excellent young footballer who can be seen as an exciting option for the long-term future.

Still only 22 years of age, the Englishman has become a key player for Boro, starting 14 matches in the Championship this season, scoring twice in that time. Meanwhile, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has lauded him in the past, saying:

“I’ve watched Hayden Hackney from afar, seeing his career flourish. There’s no better teacher for him than Michael, and he’ll enjoy the way Middlesbrough play. He’s a super player, and Morris is a good player in there too.”

Hackney may not be arriving at Newcastle as a key player, but he could be a brilliant squad option for Howe, having won seven caps for England’s Under-21s in the past, as well as being capped for Scotland’s Under-21s and England’s Under-15s in the past.

Newcastle could now sign "exciting" £5m sensation over Celtic and Rangers

He’s one of Scotland’s brightest talents.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 29, 2024

Planning for the future is always important, rather than simply signing players who can immediately be stars for Newcastle, and the fact that Hackney is a homegrown talent can only be a good thing, in terms of the English quota within the squad, making this one to watch.

A “terrific” player has admitted that he would love to re-join Arsenal in a “fantastic” transfer for him, despite only recently leaving north London.

Arsenal players who look set to be sold next year

Manager Mikel Arteta is thought to have deemed a few members of his squad surplus to requirements, with left-back Kieran Tierney topping his list of candidates to leave the Emirates Stadium next year.

£180,000-per-week Arsenal star could also miss Bournemouth after injury

The Gunners could be without a few key men.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 16, 2024

The Scotland international hasn’t featured since Euro 2024, where he picked up a hamstring injury which has kept him on the sidelines, and it is believed Arsenal are ready to offload Tierney in January with the prospect of a loan deal very realistic.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games	Date
Bournemouth (away)	October 19
Liverpool (home)	October 27
Newcastle United (away)	November 2
Chelsea (away)	November 10
Nottingham Forest (home)	November 23

Sporting director Edu Gaspar and the Gunners recruitment team will also be looking for buyers when it comes to Jakub Kiwior. The signing of Riccardo Calafiori in a £42 million deal from Bologna this summer has pushed the Poland international further down Arteta’s pecking order, and it is believed Kiwior is expected to depart Arsenal in January alongside Tierney.

Both Thomas Partey and Jorginho could leave next summer following the expiration of their contracts as well, with Arteta at risk of losing both men for free. Meanwhile, links are surrounding a potential Arsenal exit for Gabriel Jesus, as the Gunners reportedly target new strikers for next year.

“Gabriel Jesus is clearly struggling for confidence right now,” said journalist Charles Watts this week.

“You can see that by the way he’s playing. He’s thinking about things too much and taking too many touches when he’s in possession. When Jesus is at his best he does things off the cuff. He creates chaos with his movement and his work rate. But right now he’s bringing more confusion than chaos with his play. I think there’s certainly a chance this could be his final season at the club, but obviously that is a decision that will be taken in the summer should any suitable offers arrive.”

Mika Biereth open to re-joining Arsenal in future

Interestingly, a player who only just departed in the summer window, striker Sturm Graz striker Mika Biereth, already has his eyes on a future return to N5.

Speaking to Sport TV 2, Biereth admitted he would love to re-join Arsenal, saying it would be a “fantastic” move for him. However, the Dane also moved to clarify that he is also focused on his current surroundings at Sturm Graz right now.

“He is still a young lad. He has come from a big club and is undoubtedly a talent,” said former Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell.

“But it’s really important that I put the right pieces in place to get him back playing.

“I’ve been in touch with him, and he has been terrific over the last eight or nine weeks. We’ve also been in contact with Arsenal, so we think we are now in a good place. And we’ll get to measure (his readiness) over the next couple of days.”

Barcelona and Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement for the transfer of Keira Walsh as the Lionesses star closes in on a return to the WSL.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Walsh eyeing return to Women's Super League
• Barcelona and Chelsea agree to transfer fee
• Catalan side could be active late in the window

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Walsh joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 for a then-world-record fee from Manchester City. The Lionesses midfielder quickly became a major part of the Catalan side as they achieved back-to-back Champions League and Liga Femeni titles. However, Walsh has been eyeing a return to the Women’s Super League with her contract at Barcelona set to expire in the summer.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea has been touted as Walsh’s chosen club for a return to England and the Blues had opened talks with Barcelona over a January transfer. The WSL champions saw their first offer rejected by the Catalan side, however, Spanish journalist Angel Perez has now revealed that the two sides have reached an agreement on the transfer, which is set to be completed before the WSL’s winter transfer deadline day with only a few minor details left to be ironed out. According to BBC Sport's Emma Sanders, Barca have accepted an £800,000 bid, plus add-ons from Chelsea.

• Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Barcelona are also said to be bracing for the departure of Norwegian midfielder Ingrid Engen in this window and could therefore make their own late moves before the transfer market closes in Spain on Friday, January 31.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR WALSH?

  With just over 12 hours left until the WSL transfer window shuts, Chelsea will be working hard to seal the deal for Walsh as soon as possible as the Blues will be keen to avoid any late drama on deadline day. The Lionesses midfielder could potentially make her debut under Sonia Bompastor in Chelsea's next WSL clash against Aston Villa on Sunday, January 2.

It certainly wasn’t a thriller, but on the bright side, Leeds United made it seven games on the trot without defeat in the Championship, after being held to a goalless draw away to Bristol City.

There will undoubtedly be a sense that it’s two points dropped for the Yorkshire side, yet having been hampered by a litany of injuries – with the likes of Largie Ramazani and Junior Firpo both absent down the left flank – Daniel Farke may well be happy to settle for a stalemate as the push for promotion continues.

That said, the German tactician may also feel slightly disappointed that his side weren’t able to truly test Max O’Leary in the opposition goal, with the best chance of the game falling the way of the lively Wilfried Gnonto, who saw his goalbound effort denied.

While selection options are limited at present due to the number of absentees, the trip to Aston Gate will have provided Farke with a few things to ponder, following what was a mixed bag of performances from his side.

Leeds United's best performers vs Bristol City

Everything good about the Elland Road side seemingly came through that man Gnonto, with the diminutive Italian having been the one looking to create that bit of magic for the visitors.

Indeed, not only did the 20-year-old come close to getting on the scoresheet himself, but he also beautifully slid in the returning Daniel James just before the break, albeit with the Welshman failing to beat the onrushing O’Leary.

In total, the former FC Zurich starlet provided three key passes on the day, with that tally only bettered by teammate Joe Rothwell who chipped in with four, with the on-loan playmaker again looking sharp in midfield.

Stat

Player

Most touches

Sam Byram & Joe Rodon (112)

Most key passes

Joe Rothwell (4)

Highest pass accuracy

Joe Rodon (92%)

Most duels won

Brenden Aaronson (9)

Most tackles

Brenden Aaronson (8)

Possession lost (highest)

Jayden Bogle (27)

It was also an encouraging display from Jayden Bogle down the right flank, as he regularly sought to get forward, albeit with the rampaging full-back somewhat lacking with regard to his end product, having given away the ball on 27 occasions.

As can be seen, there will be positives to take from the outing for Farke and co, although one man, in particular, may have played himself out of the side moving forward.

Leeds' worst performer vs Bristol City

On a rather serene and steady day for many in yellow, the man who stood out – for all the wrong reasons – was Joel Piroe, with the former Swansea City simply going missing in attack.

That’s also the verdict of Leeds Live’s Beren Cross, who awarded the Dutchman a 5/10 match rating, while writing that it was an ‘anonymous performance’ from the towering centre-forward.

Farke does boast options on the bench in the form of Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford, and on the evidence of this afternoon’s outing, one of those men will surely be leading the line next time out.

Piroe, it must be said, was something of a passenger to proceedings as the likes of Gnonto and Brendan Aaronson fluttered about around him, with the 25-year-old notably making just 28 touches in all – fewer than even teammate Illan Meslier (48).

The one-time PSV Eindhoven ace – who also only made 13 passes – lost the ball eight times and won just two of his six ground duels, having been unable to offer the physical presence that was needed at the top end of the pitch.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

It begs the question really as to why Farke took until the 70th minute to replace Piroe with the exciting Joseph, having hardly shown a real desire to go and grab the three points.

With Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle next on the agenda at Elland Road, the Whites will hope their attacking unit – with or without Piroe – can click into gear once again.

Leeds could find their next Raphinha by signing £17m sensation

Leeds United could go back in for a summer target

1 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 25, 2024

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a stunner for Liverpool against Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup, leading fans to beg him to stay.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Alexander-Arnold scored brilliant goal
• Found the top corner from range
• Been linked with Real Madrid

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alexander-Arnold started for Liverpool against Accrington, captaining the club as they entered the third round of the world's oldest cup competition. And on the stroke of half-time, with the score at 1-0, the right-back added a brilliant second, powering an effort into the top corner from the edge of the box, leading fans to beg him to stay instead of heading to Spain to join Real Madrid.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  Referencing Alexander-Arnold's links with Real and the fact he hasn't signed a new deal, @JavenLFC said: "GIVE HIM WHAT HE WANTS!"

  @LFC_ERYAN wrote: "Sign the contract."

  @ScouserChrisLFC said: "Anyone else think he's already signed a contract or is it just me?"

  @A_S_18 added: "Get him a contract ASAP."

  @LFCRhezzay_ said: "Where's his doubters now?"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Alexander-Arnold is free to discuss a move to Real this month and can sign a pre-contract should be wish to, because his current contract expires at the end of the season. Real are said to be confident of securing his signature by the summer.

MatériaMais Notícias

Loco Abreu promoverá uma noite de autógrafos para ter contato com torcedores e comemorar o lançamento do livro “Loco por Ti -As juras de amor eterno entre Loco Abreu e a Estrela Solitária”, que fala sobre a passagem do atacante no Botafogo. O evento será na próxima segunda-feira na sede de General Severiano, às 18h.

RelacionadasBotafogoPresidente diz que Museu Botafogo já foi completamente pago via lei de incentivo à culturaBotafogo08/12/2021Mais EsportesLucas Verthein celebra troféu de melhor atleta do remo no Prêmio Brasil OlímpicoMais Esportes08/12/2021BotafogoBotafogo abre chamada de concorrência em busca de consultoria para Lei Geral de Proteção de DadosBotafogo08/12/2021

+ Durcesio garante permanências de Enderson e Freeland e diz que clube está perto de anunciar ‘recursos’

O livro, escrito por Marcos Eduardo Neves e Gustavo Rotstein, foi lançado em março. Por conta da pandemia, o evento de autógrafos foi adiado. Loco Abreu entendeu que esse era um momento propício por conta do título da Série B do Brasileirão.

O prefácio do livro é assinado pelo técnico Joel Santana, campeão carioca de 2010 junto ao centroavante. A orelha, pelo ex-goleiro Jefferson, companheiro naquela conquista. Já a quarta capa, por Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo, outro ícone alvinegro ligado à superstição do número 13.

Loco Abreu, vale lembrar, já estará no Brasil para a realização de um amistoso contra Túlio Maravilha no Estádio Nilton Santos, no próximo sábado. O uruguaio deve desembarcar em terras tupiniquins nesta quinta-feira.

Celtic were busy on the deadline day of the summer transfer window last week with three new additions walking through the doors at Parkhead.

Brendan Rodgers moved to bolster his playing squad with the signings of Arne Engels, Auston Trusty, and Luke McCowan, from Augsburg, Sheffield United, and Dundee respectively.

The Northern Irish head coach signed two fresh central midfield options after attacking midfielder Matt O'Riley was sold to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Celtic raked in a club and Scottish transfer record fee of more than £25m for the Denmark international, who caught the eye with his performances last season.

23/24 Premiership

Matt O'Riley

Squad rank

Sofascore rating

7.91

1st

Goals

18

1st

Assists

13

1st

Big chances created

14

1st

Key passes per game

2.5

1st

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the former MK Dons man was instrumental in the team's attacking set-up during the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign.

The Hoops lost a hugely talented player, who could contribute a great deal at the top end of the pitch, and that is why they swooped to sign Engels and McCowan, the former of whom has been signed for a significant sum of money.

How much Celtic paid for Arne Engels

The Scottish giants smashed their club record transfer fee with a swoop to sign the Austrian central midfielder from Augsburg for a reported fee of £11m.

Odsonne Edouard from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of £9m in the summer of 2018 was the previous record, which means that Celtic have comfortably made Engels the most expensive signing in the team's history.

The 20-year-old starlet, who made his debut for Belgium against Israel this week, came off the bench in the 3-0 win over Rangers at Parkhead last time out for his Hoops bow, less than 48 hours after his move was made official.

Engels arrives in Glasgow with plenty of senior football under his belt after featuring in the Bundesliga in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.

In the 2022/23 season, the central midfielder showcased his creativity with four 'big chances' created and 1.3 key passes per game in 18 starts in the German top-flight.

The talented youngster could not break into the starting XI on a regular basis last season, however, but did contribute with moments in the final third.

23/24 Bundesliga

Arne Engels

Appearances

32

Starts

13

Goals

3

Assists

2

Ground duel success rate

52%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Engels was directly involved in five goals in 13 starts in the Bundesliga, more than one every three starts on average, and held his own in physical duels on the deck.

Of course, it is now up to him to develop and adapt to Scottish football to emerge as a regular starter and justify his huge price at Parkhead under Rodgers.

One former Celtic midfielder, who went on to be worth more than what was just paid for Engels, the club struck gold with was colossus Victor Wanyama.

How much Celtic paid for Victor Wanyama

In the summer of 2011, Neil Lennon swooped to sign the young talent from Belgian outfit Beerschot AC for a reported fee of £900k to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

At the age of 20, the same age that Engels is now, Celtic snapped up a prospect who they wanted to develop and improve, whilst still getting quality performances on the pitch in the short term.

Wanyama already had 54 appearances for Beerschot under his belt, prior to his transfer to Scotland, and had contributed with two goals and one assist.

The Kenya international hit the ground running in Glasgow and immediately became an important player for Lennon, with 42 appearances in all competitions – including five starts in the Europa League.

In 22 outings as a defensive midfielder, the young enforcer caught the eye with four goals and four assists, which showed that he could push forward to join in with attacks to go along with his natural defensive instincts at the base of the midfield.

Victor Wanyama's record in 2011/12 (Celtic)

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premiership

32

6

3

SFA Cup

5

1

1

Champions League

7

1

0

League Cup

2

0

0

Champions League qualifiers

3

1

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Wanyama continued to prove his worth to Celtic in his second season with the Scottish giants, with nine goals and four assists in all competitions.

His displays were impressive enough for Lennon, his manager at Parkhead, to describe him as a "world class" player, which speaks to the level of his performances.

How much Celtic sold Victor Wanyama for

After winning two Premiership titles and securing a Scottish Cup trophy in two campaigns with the Hoops, the Kenyan star attracted interest from Premier League side Southampton.

The Saints swooped in to sign him for a reported fee of £12.5m in the summer of 2013, which was a Scottish record transfer fee at the time and showed that they hit gold with the superb gem.

That piece of business represented a masterclass from the Scottish giants, as Celtic raked in £12.5m for a player they paid £900k for just two years prior.

That fee was £2.5m more than the club have just paid for Engels to snap him up from Augsburg and, hopefully, Rodgers will end up looking back on that deal in the same way that Lennon does with Wanyama now.

It is now up to the Belgian youngster to, first, break into the midfield ahead of the likes of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Paulo Bernardo, and then shine in a Celtic shirt.

Wanyama hit the ground running and was an important player for the Hoops in both of his seasons with the club, but that does not mean that Engels has to go down the same path.

Related Cost £1.2m: Celtic hit gold with star worth more than O'Riley in 2024 money

The Hoops hit the jackpot with the signing of this impressive centre-forward.

Posts 1 ByDan Emery Sep 7, 2024

At the age of 20, there is plenty of time left for the central midfielder to grow and develop over the years to come, as a long-term project for Rodgers, and that means that there is no rush for him to make an immediate and big impact in the first-team, despite the transfer fee.

Lionel Messi has celebrated the second anniversary of Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph by posing with the trophy on Instagram.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Messi poses with World Cup trophyBeat France in thrilling finalInter Miami star set to enjoy ChristmasFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

December 18, 2022, marks the day Messi got his hands on the World Cup for the first time in his career, so it's a date he'll never forget. To celebrate the second anniversary of Argentina's success in Qatar, the 37-year-old posed with the trophy as he enjoyed a pot of mate tea.

AdvertisementWHAT MESSI SAID

"Love December and Christmas dates," Messi wrote on Instagram. "Two years ago could have been a bitter last month of the year, but it ended up being the sweetest of my sporting career. And now, every December I get this memory… Happy 2nd Anniversary to everyone!

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi was awarded the Golden Ball after inspiring the Albiceleste to their third World Cup win, and first since 1986. He scored seven goals in the tournament, including two in the final, before scoring his penalty in the shootout over France. The World Cup was the only trophy missing from Messi's stunning collection, and it's now safe to say that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has completed football.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

There is some optimism that Messi will try to help Argentina defend their trophy at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Lionel Scaloni's side have breezed through their qualification campaign and can secure a spot in the tournament in March.