Celtic

With the transfer window now closed, how do you feel about Celtic's January business?

The Premiership leaders secured the return of talented Portuguese winger Jota from Rennes, but first-choice striker Kyogo Furuhashi went in the opposite direction and no new frontman was signed.

Celtic's only deadline-day arrival was versatile Crystal Palace player Jeffrey Schlupp on loan, while they end the window with Alexandro Bernabei sold and Luis Palma, Stephen Welsh and Odin Holm having gone out on loan. Alex Valle's loan was ended.

Are Celtic in better shape now for their pursuit of the treble and the Champions League play-off with Bayern Munich? Or did they miss a trick in the window?

Have your say on Celtic's transfer business., external

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Though Celtic recruited midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp, 32, they failed in their attempts to sign a striker to replace forward Kyogo Furuhashi. (Mail), external

Celtic were in for Tammer Bany, who joined West Brom from Randers, and West Ham's Danny Ings before the transfer window closed. (Sun), external

Slovan Bratislava forward David Strelec, 23, was also in the frame for Celtic. (Record), external

St Mirren missed out on the loan signing of Celtic forward Johnny Kenny, 21, on transfer deadline day. (Sun), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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While Jeffrey Schlupp's stats for this season won't fill the Celtic support with much excitement, let's not forget they're bringing in a Premier League winner.

During the 2015/16 season, when Leicester City lifted that historic trophy, the midfielder scored one goal and offered up two assists in 24 top flight appearances.

While many Celtic fans will be bemused by the club's failure to sign an out-and-out left-back in this window, particularly in light of Greg Taylor's contract running out in the summer, their spirits can be lifted slightly by the ability of Schlupp to play that position (or even left wing, in the midfield or up top).

No doubt that's where he'll slot in for the remainder of the campaign to provide some competition, and much needed back-up, for Greg Taylor.

With a Premier League winner's medal in his trophy cabinet, there are worse deadline day signings to do.

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Brendan Rodgers is certain Jeffrey Schlupp will "love" life at Celtic after securing a loan deal for the Crystal Palace utility player.

The 32-year-old Ghana international completed a deadline day deal with the Parkhead club where he will spend the rest of the 2024-25 season.

"I am really happy to join Celtic, such a massive and iconic name in football," Schlupp told club media.

"I have spoken to Brendan, and I am really looking forward to working with him and the lads in the squad as we aim to bring more silverware to our supporters.

"The team has already done brilliantly this season, both domestically and in Europe, and I know I am joining a really successful team, but I want to add to this, to play my own part and help us achieve even more.

"I can't wait to get started, to pull on those famous green and white hoops, meet the fans and give everything I have to bring us more and more good times."

Manager Brendan Rodgers added: "I am really pleased that we have been able to bring Jeffrey to the club.

"I know he will love it at Celtic and I am sure our fans will love him and what he can bring to us.

"He is a fantastic guy, someone with real high-level experience and with great attributes including power, pace and versatility.

"I know that he can be a really important addition to our squad this season."

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Celtic captain Callum McGregor never dreamed he would reach 500 appearances for the club and says he is "really proud" to do so.

McGregor, 31, reached the landmark on Sunday as Celtic beat Motherwell 3-1 at Fir Park.

The former Scotland midfielder made his Celtic debut over 10 years ago, scoring in a Champions League qualifier against KR Reykjavik in July 2014, and has been club captain since Scott Brown's departure in 2021.

"It's obviously a massive honour," McGregor said after the Motherwell game. "It's such a huge football club and to play this many games under such high demand, and performance levels have got to be there, there's pressure to win and win well, so it's a lot of hard work and dedication.

"It's amazing, if you think right back at the beginning, you could only have dreamed that something like this would happen.

"You're just trying to put one foot in front of the other and help the team as much as you can. It's been 10-and-a-half years or something and it just feels like it flew by. You lift your head and 500 games later you're sitting here.

"It's an amazing achievement and something I'm really proud of, but there's a lot of people helped me along the way as well, the manager, my family as well, so I have a lot of people to thank."

McGregor has won 23 major trophies with Celtic, but the buzz of playing for his boyhood club has never faded.

"I grew up five, six minutes away from the stadium," he added. "I knew how big the club was and when I walked through the door at eight, my only thought was to try and make it to play in the first team.

"My family just dedicated their whole life to make sure that I had the best chance possible to play for Celtic. So when I think back now, there's so much going into it, that was the be all and end all, was just play in the first team, have a career at Celtic and I'm so, so lucky that I've managed to do that."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Celtic have two players in my team of the week after their 3-1 win at Fir Park on Sunday.

Daizen Maeda contributed a goal and two assists against Motherwell. There has been so much chat over the departure of Kyogo and the arrival of Jota, but Maeda remains crucial to this Celtic side.

Speaking of Kyogo, it has been a big week for Adam Idah, tasked with filling the Japanese striker's boots.

He scored twice in the Champions League against Aston Villa and bagged an important one against Motherwell as well. He has stepped up to be the main man up front and also looks more sure of himself.

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Jota says his goal-scoring Celtic return was "just like old times" and he sensed he would find the back of the net once he got off the bench.

The Portuguese winger signed for Celtic for the second time in January having been sold to Al-Ittihad for a reported £25m in 2023, and subsequently moved to French club Rennes.

He was introduced as a 65th-minute substitute against Motherwell on Sunday, and ensured victory with an injury-time goal to make it 3-1.

The 25-year-old cried after celebrating his goal in front of the Celtic end in what he called a "very personal moment".

"It's such an amazing moment for me and I couldn't have written it better," Jota told Celtic TV.

"In the end, it's just a matter of believing and from when I came on I always believed that a ball would be given to me and that happened in the end.

"It was just a very personal moment and I wanted to share that with the Celtic fans, and it was just like remembering the old times."

After struggling for regular football in both Saudi Arabia and France since his Celtic departure, Jota knows it will take time to rediscover his best form, but is determined to get there as quickly as possible.

"I think I'll still need time to get back fit to the best that I can," he added. "It will take time, obviously, but I'm here to work hard every day in order to achieve that.

"Today was a really good start but football always keeps going and tomorrow is another day, and I need to be focused again."

We asked for your views on Celtic's 3-1 Scottish Premiership win against Motherwell.

Here's what some of you had to say:

John: Daizen Maeda is a machine, one goal and two assists. Losing him against Aston Villa was the difference but having Jota back is great. Reports Lennon Miller is coming, but where does he fit into our midfield?

Paul: Maeda set the pace and tone for the game. Adam Idah's confidence has got better and he looked a handful. Jota coming on and scoring was the icing on the cake. Once he's up to speed we'll have real power, flair and pace in the final third. It was a good performance. On another day it could have been four or five. We are making good strides forward.

Hailey: So happy for Idah, he got a lot of stick, but that's 11 goals, and I'm sure he will get many more. Maeda was amazing and so was Jota, have to say when he scored his goal, the way our fans reacted got me emotional, I'm so happy he's back.

Bill: Our attacking prowess has vanished but we still keep winning, it's been a gruelling couple of months and another to come, but we will push on through. Jota showed some good touches and a goal, hopefully the freshen up we need.

Liam: Delighted to see Jota back, he was keen and lively, and of course he got a goal. However, Idah scoring again really pleased me as, he is, after all our main striker. Plenty to come.

Peter: Another game. Another win. Another three points. Not at our fluid best but did enough to take us another step closer to the title. These matches give the manager a chance to have a look at squad players to see who will be kept on the roster for next season. To date very few squad players have done anything to merit being kept on the payroll. We need to buy in quality.

Sportscene's Jonathan Sutherland and Michael Stewart discuss Jota's scoring return at Celtic.

Available to UK users only.

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• Daizen Maeda has assisted seven goals in the Premiership this season (two in this game), more than any other player.

• Daizen Maeda scored after just 50 seconds, the fastest goal for Celtic in the Premiership this season.

• Daizen Maeda has contributed to goals in his last three games in the Premiership (two goals, four assists).

• Celtic have scored in 22 of their 24 games, no team has done so more often in the Premiership this season.

• Motherwell have scored in their last three games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of four games from 4 December 2024 to 20 December 2024.

• Motherwell have lost their last three games in the Premiership, their last joint longest losing streak was from 23 November 2024 to 4 December 2024.

Watch all the highlights of Celtic's 3-1 win over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

Celtic could launch a deadline-day bid for Motherwell starlet Lennon Miller, with the Premiership champions having already had an offer rejected for the 18-year-old in this transfer window. (Scottish Sun)

Celtic's negotiations for former Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho have stalled and the player looks on the brink of signing for Middlesbrough. (Scottish Sun)

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says a loan deal for a striker is most likely with permanent moves for Danish prodigy Mathias Kvistgaarden or Slovan Bratislava forward David Strelec now deemed unlikely to be completed. (The Scotsman)

Rodgers said Daniel Cummings was ill in the warm-up for Celtic B as he explained the reason for the youngster's absence against Motherwell, as rumours persist over a move to West Ham United. (The Herald)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

Jota scored on his Celtic return as the Scottish Premiership leaders recorded their 20th win of the campaign against Motherwell.

Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah looked to have made the difference at Fir Park, as Celtic passed up a number of chances to finish the contest.

But Jota sealed victory in his first game since signing from Rennes and retained the champions' 10-point lead at the top having played a game fewer than Rangers.

Celtic fans, what did you make of that then? Let us know your thoughts here., external

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "We controlled the game really well and we were very deserving of a good win.

"Overall, I'm really pleased with the performance and the control in the game.

"I've always known that with Adam Idah it's about patience and support and time with him. There's no doubting his talent and his quality. You saw today that he's a real handful.

"It's a huge moment for Jota. That's the very reason he's come back. It's important for creative players to feel wanted and appreciated.

"Celtic is the perfect environment for him. He has the tricks, but he's also effective with it.

"He's going to be a big asset for us."

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Jota will make all the headlines but Daizen Maeda won Celtic that game today.

One goal, two assists, and a constant threat for 90 minutes.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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With the points cushion they have, Celtic just have to keep ticking off the wins and captain Callum McGregor will surely be lifting his 10th Premiership trophy in May.

They started in the mood and were rewarded immediately. At that stage it seemed three points were a formality but it proved far more sticky to get there as chances repeatedly came and went.

The resurgence of Idah is timely indeed. His role in the late winner over Young Boys seemed to relieve a bit of pressure after a barren run.

His double, and general play, against Aston villa were impressive and again here. He's starting to look the player that made such a difference on loan after arriving a year ago.

That moment from Jota will live long in the memory of those away fans. He just seems to thrive at Celtic.

The big question over the next day or so is will they manage to strengthen even further with a striker and left back still likely on the radar given recent departures.

They host Dundee at home midweek, then Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup, before that tantalising glamour tie against Bayern Munich.

Celtic have received a double blow after failing to reach an agreement to secure Kelechi Iheanacho, who Middlesbrough are now confident of signing, on loan from Sevilla after they were unable to agree a deal with Brondby for long-term target Mathias Kvistgaardenn. (Scottish Sun), external

Middlesbrough are leading the race to sign Sevilla striker Kelechi Iheanacho after Celtic held talks with the La Liga club over a possible loan with option-to-buy deal for the 28-year-old but were unable to reach an agreement. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Sevilla striker Kelechi Iheanacho has been told he is free to choose his next club amid interest from Celtic. (Daily Record), external

Talks between Celtic and Brondby for 22-year-old striker Mathias Kvistgaarden have broken down and the Scottish champions have moved on to other targets, although they could revisit in the summer. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Slovan Bratislava sports director Robert Vittek has warned that they will want a record transfer fee in the range of £7-9m for David Strelec, the 23-year-old striker wanted by Celtic. (Daily Record), external

Celtic are ready to pay a Slovak league record fee of £8m for David Strelec, but Slovan Bratislava are demanding at least £10m for the 23-year-old striker. (TV Noviny), external

Sarpsborg chief executive Bjorge Oiestad has confirmed the Norwegian club have rejected bids for winger Sondre Orjasaeter and it is believed that Celtic are considering an improved offer amid further talks after having a £4.6m bid rejected for 21-year-old valued at around £7m. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

West Ham United have stolen a march on their rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and a host of English Championship clubs and can land Celtic striker Daniel Cummings for around £300,000 in cross-border training compensation this summer, when the 18-year-old is out of contract. (Daily Record), external

West Ham are closing in on the signing of Celtic striker Daniel Cummings, with talks over a pre-contract agreement having reached an advanced stage for the 18-year-old. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Celtic winger Luis Palma has joined Greek side Olympiacos on loan until the end of the season.

Palma joined the club in August 2023 from Cypriot side Aris Saloniki.

The 25-year-old has made 12 appearances for Brendan Rodgers' side this season but has struggled to break into the team after Nicolas Kuhn's arrival.

The Parkhead club have also re-signed Portugeuse winger Jota from Rennes on a permanent deal, less than two years after his departure from Glasgow to join Saudi side Al-Ittihad.

Jota will wear Palma's number seven and could make his first start since returning tomorrow against Motherwell.

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Motherwell goalkeeper Archie Mair has undergone surgery on a fracture in his hand but Callum Slattery and Moses Ebiye return from illness.

Jack Vale completes a two-match ban while Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (calf), Lennon Miller, Steve Seddon (both ankle), Ross Callachan (hamstring), Paul McGinn (thigh), Aston Oxborough (thumb) and Zach Robinson (Achilles) remain out along with Jair Tavares.

Jota is in the Celtic squad, while Cameron Carter-Vickers returns from injury but James Forrest (foot) is still out.

We asked for your views on Celtic's Champions League play-off round fixture against Bayern Munich.

Here's what some of you said:

Stephen: A very tough draw. If we play the way we did against Leipzig, Celtic can cause an upset at home. The away leg will be even more difficult, but a positive home result will give us hope

Des: It's a game of football, there is always a chance. However, it's going to be really tough. If we can go to Munich with a lead, Brendan Rodgers will have to embrace parking the bus!

Gordy: It's a fantastic draw, I would have been more confident had we signed Kieran Tierney, but if we can get Cameron Carter-Vickers back and maybe add new signings, one to replace Kyogo Furuhashi and a defender, we can give Bayern a run for their money, we should not fear them, if we can cut out the mistakes at the back we can compete with them.

Chris: We honestly have no chance, but we will enjoy the matches none the less!

Anon: Bayern Munich are one of the best teams there. Celtic have improved and competed in the Champions League so far. I just want to enjoy the occasion and hopefully we show more improvement. Bayern will win there's no doubt about that, but we live in hope and pray.

Paul: Realistically, no they can't. Celtic have bang average defenders, with the exception of Carter-Vickers. Their man-marking is atrocious and their Achilles' heal when conceding goals in Europe. Celtic must have their A-game against Bayern, or else it will be embarrassing.