They have also retained a host of their experienced domestic players like Russell, Pollard, Narine and Bravo
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-2024Trinbago Knight Riders have signed Tim David and Jason Roy for the Caribbean Premier League 2024 season. They have also retained their core of experienced West Indies stars in Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Dwayne Bravo.Akeal Hosein, who recently became the first spinner to register a five-wicket haul for West Indies in T20Is during their T20 World Cup 2024 game against Uganda, has also been retained by Knight Riders, along with seamers Jayden Seales and Terrance Hinds and batters Mark Deyal and Keacy Carty. TKR’s squad currently comprises 15 members and they have space to add two more in the draft in July.Fast bowlers Josh Little and Ali Khan, and left-arm wristspinner Waqar Salamkheil are the overseas players retained by Knight Riders.Related
CPL 2024 draft: St Lucia Kings sign USA star Aaron Jones as teams finalise squads
Amir, Fakhar, Imad signed up by new CPL franchise Antigua & Barbuda Falcons
St Lucia Kings sign Heinrich Klaasen and Noor Ahmad for CPL 2024
Royals bring back Theekshana, Patriots sign Hasaranga and Stubbs for CPL 2024
While this will be the first stint in the CPL for Roy, David has past experience in the tournament, having made his debut for St Lucia Kings in 2021. He was also roped in as a replacement player during CPL 2023 by Knight Riders.Last year, Knight Riders made the final having finished second in the league stage, but lost to Guyana Amazon Warriors. Knight Riders are the most successful team in the CPL, with four titles. Their last trophy, however, came in 2020. They will begin their 2024 campaign against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Basseterre on September 1.
Derby County have now opened talks to sign an “unbelievable” defender, who is set to be available on a free transfer at the end of the month, according to a report.
Derby set to strengthen in defence
Derby survived the drop by the barest of margins last season, and they have their defence to thank, keeping clean sheets in four out of their last eight games to ensure Championship football will be played at Pride Park once again next season.
In the end, John Eustace wasn’t left to rue the decision to leave Blackburn Rovers for the Rams, but a club of their stature will have far loftier ambitions than merely surviving in the second tier, and the manager is looking to put his own stamp on his squad.
Despite the stellar defensive efforts at the back end of last season, one position in which Eustace appears to be particularly keen to strengthen is centre-back, with the likes of Blackburn Rovers’ Danny Batth and Birmingham City’s Dion Sanderson of interest.
Eustace loves him: Derby now keen on "incredible" 100+ career goal forward
The Rams have set their sights on a forward, with John Eustace believed to be a big fan.
ByDominic Lund May 22, 2025
According to a report from Derbyshire Live, a League One centre-back has also been identified as a target, namely Lincoln City’s Paudie O’Connor, with Derby recently opening talks over a deal for the defender.
O’Connor’s contract is set to expire at the end of the month, meaning he is able to leave the Imps on a free transfer, and there are a number of clubs interested in his signature, with Huddersfield Town and Barnsley also being linked.
Wycombe Wanderers are currently believed to be in pole position for the Lincoln centre-back, but a move to Pride Park could be more appealing, given that Championship football will be on offer next season.
Derby need new centre-back after Phillips departure
The Rams’ defence was not the main problem last season, considering they shipped fewer goals than Coventry City, who reached the play-off semi-final, but it is clear they will need to bring in a new centre-back this summer, as Nat Phillips has returned to Liverpool.
Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.
Phillips was a regular starter whenever fit, making 32 appearances in the Championship last term, and he even scored a vital goal away at Hull City in the penultimate match of the season, which proved to be crucial in Eustace’s side avoiding the drop.
As such, it could be a difficult task to replace the 28-year-old, but there are some signs that O’Connor could be up to the task, having previously been lauded as “unbelievable” by teammate Jack Moylan.
The Lincoln captain was a key player for the Imps last season, making 45 appearances in all competitions, during which time he also proved himself to be a real attacking threat, picking up three goals and five assists in League One.
As such, the Irishman could now be ready to test himself at Championship level, and he would be a low-risk addition to the Derby squad on a free transfer.
With money to spend following the departure of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland have reportedly joined a hectic race to sign a Premier League rival this summer.
Sunderland commence search to replace Bellingham
Even after earning promotion to the Premier League, Bellingham’s decision was made up when Borussia Dortmund came calling in a deal that is now official. An exit that could reportedly see Sunderland bank as much as €40m (£34m) if add-on bonuses are reached in the coming years, the Black Cats have instantly turned towards the market in pursuit of a replacement.
It’s a search that won’t be easy given just how talented Bellingham is at just 19 years old, but Sunderland must make sure that their young midfielder is replaced by the time that the Premier League campaign gets underway.
On that front, names such as Tommy Doyle have recently threatened to steal the headlines. The 23-year-old is a Manchester City graduate, but completed a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer.
Swapping Manchester for the Midlands hasn’t accelerated his development that many would have hoped, however, and after just three Premier League starts, Doyle could be on the move again.
Sunderland now plotting 8-figure move for hugely in-demand Asian talent
He could become a star at the Stadium of Light.
ByHenry Jackson Jun 9, 2025
Sunderland could be the ideal place to get his career back on track too. The Stadium of Light has become the breeding ground for young talent to thrive in recent years, from Manchester United’s Amad Diallo to, most recently, Bellingham. Now, Doyle desperately needs to follow a similar path if he is to finally realise his potential in the Premier League.
Of course, though, it’s not just young talent that Sunderland have set their sights on this summer. The Black Cats have also gone in search of experience and could yet welcome a Premier League rival for Regis Le Bris.
Sunderland join race to sign £5m Alex Moreno
According to reports in Spain, Sunderland have now joined the race to sign Alex Moreno from Aston Villa this summer. Those in Wearside are reportedly joined by Real Sociedad, Real Betis and fellow promoted side Burnley in a hectic battle to sign the Spanish left-back.
Available for just £5m this summer, Moreno represents an option that could quickly turn into the ultimate bargain, given how he played a part in Nottingham Forest’s unexpected Europa Conference League finish last season. Starting 11 games for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, the 32-year-old proved that he is still more than capable of playing at this level.
Although no longer part of Unai Emery’s plans, the £35,000-a-week defender still made his mark at Aston Villa during the 2022/23 campaign, when he earned the praise of both Ian Wright and Alan Shearer following a frantic draw at West Ham United.
The pair were both left in awe of Moreno’s assist for Ollie Watkins’ goal, with Shearer saying on Match of the Day: “But what a ball in, it’s dreamland for a forward. You are saying ‘go on and get on the end of that’ and Watkins did. It was a great cross and a fantastic header.”
Wright then went on to dub Moreno’s involvement as “brilliant” in the type of quality that Sunderland fans could be enjoying next season if the Black Cats decide to make their move.
It’s no secret that Chelsea have been targeting a new striker over the last 12 months, with Enzo Maresca still unable to land the talisman to take the club to the next level.
Nicolas Jackson has been the Italian’s main option at the top end of the pitch, scoring 10 goals in his 30 Premier League appearances throughout 2024/25.
However, there have been doubts over his long-term suitability for the role, especially after receiving a straight red card in the clash against Newcastle United for a deliberate elbow on Sven Botman.
Whilst he scored in the Europa Conference League triumph last night, his terrible first touch when bearing down on goal highlighted the need for new attackers this summer.
With the summer window rapidly approaching, the manager and the hierarchy have wasted no time in lining up potential options to lead the line in their title push throughout 2025/26.
The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Given Chelsea’s recent antics in the transfer market, it’s a surprise to no one that they are likely to be busy once again this summer to bolster Maresca’s ranks.
Viktor Gyokeres, Joao Pedro and Emanuel Emegha are just three names that have been mentioned as potential targets, but no deals have yet been completed for any of the aforementioned targets.
Emanuel Emegha
However, they may not need to pursue moves for any of the stars, with the Blues closing in on signing Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
He claimed on Wednesday that the Blues have taken the lead in the race for his signature, with Manchester United’s chances now decreasing after failing to secure any European football next season. Jacobs also confirmed that the Blues have held positive talks to sign the £30m star.
A move has progressed significantly on Thursday with everything now pointing towards the English talent joining. Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday evening that he will sign his Chelsea contract in the next 24 hours.
How Delap could repeat Chelsea's Palmer success story
Cole Palmer may have endured somewhat of an uncharacteristic drought in front of goal over the last few months, but he’s still managed to play a vital role in the success endured by Chelsea.
Chelsea'sColePalmerreacts
The 23-year-old went 18 games without a goal across all competitions, before slotting home a penalty against league champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge – securing a huge win in their hunt for a top five finish.
Whilst he’s still not managed to score since that triumph back on the 4th of May, he has provided key moments for some of his teammates, including two assists against Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday.
His latest contributions have taken him to 69 combined goals and assists in his 91 appearances for the club, after joining the Blues in a £40m deal from Manchester City back in the summer of 2023.
However, Maresca could land his next version of the English star this summer, with a deal to take Delap to West London appearing to be entering its final stages.
The pair both plied their trade together within the Manchester City academy as youngsters, looking to do the same in forward areas once again at the Bridge for the Blues in 2025/26.
Should the 22-year-old reach the levels set by Palmer in West London over recent years, he would be a splendid signing by the board, with his £30m clause potentially being a bargain.
When comparing his stats to those of Palmer this season, Delap has managed to outperfrom him in numerous key areas, offering the manager the focal point he craves in the first-team.
He may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed a higher goal per shot on target rate, showcasing his clinical edge within the final third.
Games played
37
37
Goals & assists
14
23
Shot-on-target accuracy
44%
36%
Goals per shot on target
0.3
0.2
Take-on success
47%
45%
Aerials success rate
43%
22%
Fouls drawn
1.8
1.6
He’s also completed more take-ons and drawn more fouls, therefore offering Maresca a more all-round option in the final third – which could take the side to the next level as a result.
Delap has also won more aerial battles than the current Blues star, handing the side the needed focal point in which the manager has desired since his arrival.
With a deal appearing to be edging closer to being completed, the Englishman would be an excellent addition, having the ability to develop further in the years ahead at the Bridge.
£30m in today’s market would be a super price for a striker who’s already proven his talents in England’s top-flight, potentially being the missing piece in Maresca’s Chelsea puzzle and creating a deadly partnership with Palmer once more.
As bad as Gusto: Chelsea's 4/10 flop must never play for the club again
Chelsea secured the Europa Conference League last night, but multiple players failed to deliver.
West Ham United are now closely monitoring an “intelligent” £84m striker, who is also in the sights of Premier League rivals Arsenal and Aston Villa, according to a report.
Hammers set sights on new striker
Niclas Fullkrug may have won over some West Ham fans with his extremely honest reflection on the team’s performance in the 1-1 draw against Southampton last month, which left manager Graham Potter not best pleased.
However, the German has hardly set the world alight himself during his first season at the London Stadium, netting just three Premier League goals, and with the striker now 32-years-old, it could be a shrewd move to bring in a replacement this summer.
Celtic’s Daizen Maeda is one potential option, with the Hammers currently preparing a substantial offer for the versatile Japanese forward, while Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap also remain of interest.
Delap could be an ambitious target, given the level of interest in the Englishman, and the same applies to Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, with a report from Spain now revealing that West Ham are now racing their Premier League rivals for the Brazilian’s signature.
Botafogo'sIgorJesuscelebrates scoring their second goal
Arsenal and Aston Villa are also keen on Jesus, who the Hammers have been closely monitoring, with the Gunners thought to be seriously considering a move, which could pose a major problem for Potter’s side.
The 24-year-old is also protected by a €100m (£84m) release clause, although the Brazilian club should be willing to sanction his departure for a lower price.
Their best signing since Bowen: West Ham in the race to land £12m EFL star
As West Ham United manager Graham Potter looks to oversee a major squad rebuild this summer, should they make a move to sign a “brilliant” EFL star?
ByBen Gray May 18, 2025 "Intelligent" Jesus impressing for Botafogo
Brazilian pundit Walter Casagrande has been impressed by some of the Brazil international’s performances since returning to his home country after a spell with Dubai-based side Shabab Al-Alhi, lauding him as “very intelligent” in September last year.
The forward played an important role in Botafogo’s 2024 league title triumph, picking up five goals and three assists and receiving some very high praise for his displays.
Jesus could now be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, and at 24-years-old he is at the right age to be a long-term success at the London Stadium, but the serious interest from Arsenal could be a major issue for West Ham.
A Madrid journalist has now dropped a significant new update regarding Davide Ancelotti’s chances of becoming Rangers’ next manager this summer.
Rangers manager search rumbles on
A host of candidates have been mentioned as options to take charge at Ibrox at the end of the season, at which point Barry Ferguson’s spell as interim manager is expected to reach its conclusion. Steven Gerrard has long been a front-runner to come in and enjoy a second stint at Rangers, having won the Scottish Premiership title in 2020/21, but Ancelotti has also emerged as an intriguing option recently.
Davide Ancelotti
The 36-year-old is currently the assistant manager to his father Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, going through a disappointing season at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the European giants going trophyless.
He has been hailed by the Madrid boss though, who has said of his son: “Davide is a competent, disciplined, professional and very calm assistant coach. He works alongside Francesco Mauri, who is very young too. Luis works with the goalkeepers, Pintus with his experience on the physical side of things. I have a young and very competent coaching team. We combine their enthusiasm with my experience well.”
It was thought that that the Italian is contemplating moving into management on his own, taking on a head coach role and moving away from his father, but now a significant update has dropped regarding Rangers’ pursuit of him.
Ancelotti set to join Brazil instead of Rangers
Taking to X on Friday morning, Madrid journalist Alberto Pereiro revealed Ancelotti won’t become Rangers’ new manager, instead deciding to follow his father to be his assistant with Brazil’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
This is an update that will stun Rangers given all signs pointed towards the Italian moving out on his own, with the Madrid assistant standing out as one of the more exciting candidates to be their next manager.
Better than Ancelotti: Rangers to step up move for "amazing" manager
As the 49ers continue their search for the next Rangers manager, they should forget about Davide Ancelotti and hire an “impressive” boss instead.
ByBen Gray May 15, 2025
Granted, he hasn’t yet been a head coach in his career, which would make the Gers hiring him a risk, but he will have learned so much from his father and would bring a winning mentality with him, having helped both Bayern Munich and Madrid achieve so much success down the years.
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
2017
German Cup
Bayern Munich
2017
German Cup
Bayern Munich
2018
Champions League
Real Madrid
2022
La Liga
Real Madrid
2022
Spanish Cup
Real Madrid
2022
Club World Cup
Real Madrid
2023
Spanish Cup
Real Madrid
2023
Spanish Super Cup
Real Madrid
2023
Champions League
Real Madrid
2024
La Liga
Real Madrid
2024
Spanish Super Cup
Real Madrid
2024
Now, the Scottish giants will have to look elsewhere at options, however, and it could be that Gerrard ends up being the man to come in, with the Liverpool legend feeling he has unfinished business at Ibrox.
Newcastle United find themselves well in the hunt for a strong finish to the Premier League season and could look to pounce for a high-profile star on the market, according to a report.
Newcastle United's pursuit of summer signings
The Magpies have Champions League football firmly in their sights under Eddie Howe and will look to finalise their place in next year’s league phase before turning their attention to the summer transfer window.
Turning the spotlight on one of their direct competitors, Newcastle hope to sign James McAtee from Manchester City in the next few months and will take encouragement from the fact he has one year left on his deal at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City'sJamesMcAteecelebrates after the match
Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are also in the hunt for his signature, which may pose a challenge in convincing the England Under-21 international that Tyneside is the place to be ahead of next season.
On the same token, talks have taken place over Newcastle making a move for Douglas Luiz with Juventus sporting director Cristian Giuntoli. The possibility of a swap deal involving Sandro Tonali has also been discussed.
Looking to the future, Heart of Midlothian forward James Wilson is a Magpies target, even if he would likely be viewed as one for the future by chiefs at St James’ Park.
Romano: Newcastle "keen on signing" £70m "tank" with same agent as Gordon
They’ve wanted him for ages.
ByBarney Lane Apr 27, 2025
PSR regulations will need to be met by Newcastle alongside every one of their direct rivals in the Premier League. In turn, that may lead to certain positions being prioritised for strengthening, while others could be left on the backburner.
Regardless, plenty of movement is underway in the North East and recent developments suggest that a marquee arrival could be set for a move to Tyneside.
Newcastle United ready to strike for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United are plotting a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has wowed the Magpies’ recruitment team during extensive scouting missions over the last few years.
Howe would jump at the chance to bring in the Cameroon international if his current employers were willing to sell, though the Bees’ demand of over £60 million may provide food for thought once the summer window opens.
Bryan Mbeumo vs Anthony Gordon – Premier League attacking output in 2024/25
Bryan Mbeumo
Goals
18
Assists
6
Chances created
65
Shots on target
36
Completed dribbles
44
Anthony Gordon
Goals
6
Assists
5
Chances created
50
Shots on target
19
Completed dribbles
35
Labelled “fantastic” by Thomas Frank, Mbeumo has enjoyed a fantastic campaign in front of goal, registering 18 goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.
His versatility is said to be a major reason behind Howe’s desire to land the winger. However, Newcastle are likely to wait and see what continental competition they end up in before stepping up their interest.
Attacking reinforcements appear to be on the agenda at St James’ Park and Mbeumo would be the ideal candidate to ensure the Magpies build from a position of strength.
Chelsea will surely look to capitalise on the fact that the summer window opens early in 2025, which coincides with the Club World Cup. The Blues are participating in the 32-team event at the end of the season, where they will face Mexican side Leon, Brazilian giants Flamengo and Tunisian outfit Esperance de Tunis.
FIFA have added an early start date for the transfer window in the first ten days of June. It seems as though Chelsea will capitalise on that and look to do early transfer business in order to bring new players into Stamford Bridge before the start of the competition.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescalooks dejected after the match
In fact, they are linked with one attacker who could certainly enhance the quality of the squad.
Latest on Chelsea's search for a forward
If reports are to be believed, then the West Londoners are looking to strengthen in attacking areas before the Club World Cup. One of their primary targets seems to be highly rated Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to a report from TEAMTalk, Enzo Maresca’s side are hoping to lure him to Stamford Bridge in the first window of June. They are thought to be ‘big admirers’ of the 20-year-old and view him as a player with ‘world-class potential’.
In terms of a price for the deal, they could end up paying a fee on the lower end of the scale, considering what attackers go for in the current market.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Club Brugge's Ferran Jutgla
TEAMTalk suggest Gittens is worth £35m, which makes the Blues view this as an ‘achievable’ deal, heightening confidence that a move could be completed. However, Chelsea could offer Jadon Sancho back to his former club as part of the deal, thus bringing his price down further.
Why Gittens would be a good signing
In what has been a bleak campaign for Dortmund this term, it has been a strong season for former Manchester City academy player Gittens. The 20-year-old, who was born in London, has been one of the standout players in that famous Yellow shirt.
In 45 games across all competitions this season for Dortmund, Gittens has scored 12 times and assisted a further five. That included a fantastic run of form in the Bundesliga at the end of November to the start of January, where he scored and assisted seven goals in as many games.
In the Champions League, Gittens has really impressed. The England under-21 international notched up four goals and one assist in the prestigious competition. Perhaps the most notable of the bunch came against Real Madrid, when he scored at the Santiago Bernabeu, to put his side 2-0 up, although it was a game that they lost 5-2.
Well, Gittens would certainly make a fine replacement for Sancho. The West Londoners have a clause in his loan contract that could make it a permanent move from Manchester United for a £25m fee.
Contrary to popular belief, the England international has not had the worst season in Blue. He has managed three goals and ten assists in the equivalent of 23 full 90-minute games.
There have certainly been key contributions from Sancho, including a stunning late equaliser against the now-relegated Ipswich Town to secure a huge point.
With that being said, there are underlying statistics via FBref that suggest Gittens would make a better option for the Blues than Sancho does.
For example, the Dortmund star averages 0.42 goals and completes 4.07 take-ons per 90 minutes compared to 0.16 goals and 2.43 take-ons completed each game by Sancho.
Goals
0.42
0.16
Shot-creating actions
3.86
3.51
Progressive carries
5.87
5.19
Take-ons completed
4.07
2.43
Tackles and interceptions
2.06
0.65
This is certainly an interesting deal for the Blues. Gittens, described as a “wonderkid” by Statman Dave, looks like he plays with the maturity of someone in their mid-20s, and has come up clutch in big moments this season.
A flair one-vs-one dribbler, Gittens would certainly bring directness to this Chelsea attack, and add another unique element to an already strong group of forwards. For such a fair price, even if they have to lose Sancho, this seems like a good deal.
He'd revive Palmer: Chelsea want to sign one of the best players in the PL
Chelsea are hunting a summer move for a Premier League star who could see Cole Palmer recapture his form.
With one eye on the summer transfer window and another on ending the current Premier League campaign with a flourish, Fulham have now reportedly seen one target make his choice over a potential move.
Fulham still battling for shock European place
Victory at Craven Cottage against Liverpool last time out sums up the quality that Marco Silva’s side have at their best. After initially falling behind courtesy of a stunning strike from Alexis Mac Allister, the west London club flipped the game on its head and raced into a 3-1 lead at the break.
Even when Luis Diaz’s effort threatened to get the Reds back into proceedings, Fulham earned a deserved three points.
Having made such a statement with victory, Fulham still have every chance of confirming a shock European qualification ahead of the likes of Aston Villa, and Marco Silva spoke about his side’s chances in this week’s press conference.
The Fulham boss told reporters: “We set the target at the beginning of the season for us to arrive in the final stages fighting for something important.
“It is not extra pressure or more pressure for us. It is a privilege to have this type of thing. It is what I want. It is the pressure that I put on myself, my staff, my players and now if we have the chance to fight [for it], we have to embrace it.”
Silva will need no telling just how much of an impact European football would make to his side’s summer transfer window, especially amid reports that one target has already made his choice between Craven Cottage and a European club. Whether that choice changes if Fulham achieve what they’ve set out will certainly be interesting to see, however.
"Complete" Ioannidis makes transfer decision
According to Football Insider, Fotis Ioannidis is now closing in on an agreement to join Sporting CP despite interest from Fulham. What’s more, joining the Greek forward will reportedly be Georgios Vagiannidis rather than, again, a move to Craven Cottage. The Panathinaikos pair are impressive in their own right, but it’s Ioannidis who stands out the most.
Whether Fulham attempt a last-gasp hijack to sign the forward will be something to keep an eye on, especially if they qualify for European football in the coming weeks.
Dubbed “complete” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Greek forward would be an ideal option to replace 33-year-old Raul Jimenez, who is unlikely to be at the peak of his powers for much longer.
After scoring 11 goals in all competitions this season, the interest in Ioannidis should come as no surprise.
Celtic were boosted by the return of their captain last weekend when Callum McGregor came into the side for the 3-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership, and they now prepare to face bottom-of-the-league St. Johnstone.
The former Scotland international had missed out on the defeat to Rangers before the international break through injury, and reminded the supporters of his quality and what the team lacked whilst he was out of the team.
Pass accuracy
99%
Passes completed
66
Key passes
2
Big chances created
1
Tackles + interceptions
2
Dribbled past
0x
As you can see in the table above, the left-footed metronome was almost perfect in possession, completing 99% of his attempted passes, and excelled defensively, as he was not dribbled past a single time.
The Hoops skipper has the ability to control matches with his use of the ball, dictating the tempo of matches with his incredibly efficient passing, and was a vital figure in the 3-0 win.
Arne Engels deputised for him in the number six role against Rangers before the break, but it is further forward where the Belgian’s talents are best suited.
Why Arne Engels has been worth the money for Celtic
The Hoops gambled when they splashed a club-record fee of £11m to sign the 21-year-old gem from Augsburg last summer, as he had only started 13 of his 32 matches in the Bundesliga last season.
Engels did not have a wealth of experience or a track record of excellent performances at a high level for Celtic to be sure of what they were getting when they signed him, which is why it was such a gamble to splash the cash on him.
The Belgium international’s performances for the Scottish giants since his move to Parkhead, however, have proven that he has been worth the money so far.
Engels has delivered at the top end of the pitch with a return of ten goals and 12 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, making him only the second central midfielder – after Matt O’Riley in 2023/24 – to hit double figures for goals and assists for Celtic since the start of the 2020/21 season.
This shows that the Belgian whiz has surpassed expectations, given his lack of experience prior to joining the club, as he has joined an elite group of midfielders – with just him and O’Riley – over the past five years to achieve that record, whilst still having a couple of months left to add to his tally.
There was one Celtic midfielder, however, who did not have his best afternoon in the win over Hearts at Parkhead last weekend, as Reo Hatate struggled against the Jam Tarts.
Why Reo Hatate should be dropped
Rodgers must ruthlessly ditch the Japan international from the starting line-up for this clash with St. Johnstone after he failed to provide an impressive showing last time out.
Hatate was selected to line up alongside McGregor and Engels in midfield, but did not reward Rodgers’ faith in him with an excellent performance on the pitch.
Minutes
81
Touches
74
Shots
2
Shots on target
0
Goals
0
Key passes
0
Duels won
0/5
Tackles + interceptions
0
Dribbled past
1x
As you can see in the table above, the Japanese midfielder offered next to nothing in the final third, and was a liability defensively, losing all of his duels and being dribbled past once.
This shows that Hatate was ineffective at both ends of the pitch, as he did not impact play enough offensively or protect his back four, and that is why Rodgers must drop him out of the starting line-up.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Celtic are against the team that is currently sat at the bottom of the table and that presents the league leaders with a chance to rotate and offer chances to lesser-seen players, including Portuguese ace Paulo Bernardo.
Why Paulo Bernardo should start against St. Johnstone
The former Benfica starlet made his first appearance since the 8th February when he came off the bench in the 3-0 win over Hearts last weekend, having been struggling with an ankle injury.
This clash with St. Johnstone, who are bottom of the table with 19 losses in 31 matches, could be the perfect opportunity to hand him his first start since returning from injury, against a team the Hoops can reasonably expect to boss the game against – given their respective positions in the division.
Paulo Bernardo
When he has been fit and available, Bernardo has proven his worth to the Scottish giants with some excellent displays in the middle of the park as one of the number eights ahead of McGregor.
The Portuguese whiz has scored two goals, created five ‘big chances’, and registered three assists in just 11 league starts, which shows that he can contribute offensively, but maybe not to the level that Engels can – meaning that the former Augsburg man can step up in that area.
One of those two goals came against St. Johnstone away from home back in September, as the central midfielder brilliantly found the bottom corner from the edge of the box with a sublime finish.
As well as being a threat in the final third, Bernardo is also a “tenacious” – as described by Rodgers – defender out of possession, constantly looking to win the ball back for his team.
The right-footed dynamo has averaged 4.0 tackles and interceptions combined per 90 in the Premiership, which illustrates his desire to get stuck in with challenges to help his team out defensively. Meanwhile, Hatate has averaged 1.5 tackles and interceptions per 90 and did not make any against Hearts.
This suggests that Bernardo would come into the team as an upgrade on the Japanese dud from a defensive perspective, which could help Celtic to cut out any counter attacks that St. Johnstone may have.
It also suggests that he would be ideal next to Engels in the team because he can provide the defensive edge to complement the Belgian’s brilliant offensive power.
Rodgers plots move for "incredible" star who'd be Celtic's new Elyounoussi
Celtic have reportedly sent scouts to watch the £5m-rated forward in action.
ByDan Emery Apr 4, 2025
It is now down to Rodgers to drop Hatate from the starting XI to make room for the Portuguese talent to come back into the side this afternoon.