Celtic Close in on Loan for Chelsea Teenager Landon Emenalo
Celtic are closing in on a season-long loan for Chelsea teenager Landon Emenalo as Martin O’Neill’s rebuild gathers serious pace.
The 18-year-old has been lined up as cover and competition for Kieran Tierney at left-back and could be the next arrival through the door at Celtic Park, according to Stephen McGowan in The Herald. If the deal is completed, he will join a squad being rapidly reshaped with Europe in mind.
Emenalo, son of former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, has come through the Stamford Bridge academy and carries an intriguing international profile, having represented both England and the United States at youth level. He has been viewed in London as a versatile prospect, previously used as a midfielder and central defender.
That perception has shifted this summer. Under new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, Emenalo caught the eye at left-back in three pre-season outings, convincing Celtic that he can slot naturally into the role behind Tierney for the coming campaign.
The potential loan lands in the middle of a frantic burst of transfer business in Glasgow’s East End. Celtic have already sealed a £6million move for Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan on a four-year deal, with an option for a further season, adding pace and direct threat to O’Neill’s attacking options.
German Under-21 midfielder Mika Baur is also on the verge of signing. He has travelled to Glasgow and is set to undergo a medical as the club move to finalise the formalities of his switch. The midfield is being retooled, and Baur is expected to be a central part of that plan.
Those deals follow the earlier arrivals of Camilo Duran and Danish striker Kasper Høgh, who have already added fresh energy to the squad. If Hassan, Baur and Emenalo are all confirmed in time, O’Neill could have five new faces available before next week’s Champions League play-off first leg against LASK Linz – a clear statement of intent ahead of a pivotal tie.
O’Neill has been adamant that this is not a scattergun window. He has repeatedly stressed that Celtic will prioritise quality over quantity, even as the list of signings grows. The search for a goalkeeper underlines that point, with the club still active in that area and unwilling to settle for a short-term fix.
There is movement brewing at the exit door as well. West Ham are expected to return with an improved offer worth £25million for Arne Engels, testing Celtic’s resolve over a key asset at the heart of the side.
On the opposite flank, Celtic are determined not to be pushed around. Alistair Johnston has drawn interest from Everton, but the Scottish champions are reluctant to sell and are understood to value the Canadian right-back at more than £15million. Everton are now weighing up alternatives as they decide whether to meet that figure or walk away.
As the clock ticks towards the Champions League play-off and the end of the window, Celtic’s stance is clear: the squad will change, but only on their terms.
