Bad news for Celtic on Mahmic and Emenalo transfers
Celtic's agreed loan for Chelsea left-back Landon Emenalo is delayed by a training knock, while a Celtic News Now video flagged bad news on AJ Mahmic transfer updates—developments supporters tracking jude bonnar and the wider window will watch as Martin O'Neill still needs left-back cover.
Key Takeaways
- Landon Emenalo's season-long loan from Chelsea is agreed, but a minor training knock is delaying the announcement.
- Chelsea and Xabi Alonso rate Emenalo highly enough to refuse any purchase option in the deal.
- Celtic need left-back depth after Marcelo Saracchi's permanent move collapsed and he joined Houston Dynamo.
- A Celtic News Now video highlighted concerning updates on AJ Mahmic alongside the Emenalo situation.
- The BBC's Scottish gossip round-up previously linked Celtic with Emenalo after a Lennoxtown training-ground tour.
Why Is Landon Emenalo's Celtic Move Delayed?
According to GlasgowWorld, Celtic have reportedly agreed a deal with Chelsea for Landon Emenalo, but only a knock is delaying the official announcement. CeltsAreHere understands the England Under-18 international suffered the injury in Chelsea training.
The setback is not thought to be serious. Reports suggest he should be available again in the short term, and Celtic are not concerned the issue will derail the loan. Once cleared, Emenalo is expected to join on a season-long basis with no option to buy.
What Do Chelsea Think of Landon Emenalo?
GlasgowWorld reports that Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso rates Emenalo highly, as did former boss Enzo Maresca and Mauricio Pochettino before him. That esteem explains why the London club refused a purchase clause in the Celtic arrangement.
Emenalo visited Lennoxtown earlier in August to scope out a move, the BBC's Scottish gossip column noted at the time. Manager Martin O'Neill has seemingly selected the 18-year-old to compete with Kieran Tierney, whose minutes are consistently managed.
Behind the scenes, the signing is viewed as a real coup. Chelsea see Emenalo as a major talent destined to start for the Blues one day, even though he has mostly featured at youth level so far.
What Happened to Celtic's Left-Back Search?
Celtic pursued Marcelo Saracchi for cover at left-back, but that permanent move collapsed. Saracchi eventually joined Houston Dynamo from Boca Juniors despite appearing keen on a Hoops return following his loan spell.
Emenalo's arrival would end that search and take pressure off Tierney. Liam Scales has filled in when needed, and former star Greg Taylor was also mentioned as a possible return option after fan criticism of the Saracchi failure.
An announcement may follow Celtic's Champions League play-off with LASK. GlasgowWorld reported the Hoops held a 3-0 first-leg lead heading into the second leg in Austria.
What Is the Latest on AJ Mahmic?
Beyond Emenalo, Celtic News Now published a Cmon The Hoops video titled "Some Bad News for Celtic on AJ Mahmic & Landon Emenalo Transfer," discussing transfer updates involving AJ Mahmic and the Chelsea loan target.
The outlet did not publish separate written details on Mahmic in that item, leaving supporters to follow the video for specifics. It sits alongside broader summer business, including BBC gossip that Celtic were closing in on Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur.
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