Chelsea are already making plans to prepare for the upcoming summer transfer window in an attempt to bolster the squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Blues have been linked with Inter stars Yann Bisseck and Marcus Thuram, whilst Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen reportedly wants to sign for Enzo Maresca’s side.

Chelsea have had success in recruiting from the Serie A in the past, with French central defender Marcel Desailly being a prime example – the titan joined from AC Milan in the summer of 1998 and went on to become a stalwart at Stamford Bridge.

He ended his time in England with 222 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, winning the FA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, before being released in 2004 after six years at the club.

Chelsea could repeat that success and raid AC Milan once again for a defensive star as they reportedly eye up one of their present-day stars.

Chelsea plot move for Milan star

According to Tutto Mercato Web, Chelsea are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The report claims that Aston Villa and the Blues are both plotting moves to sign the France international, as Maresca looks to bolster his options in the goalkeeping position.

It adds that both teams have ‘taken information’ on the shot-stopper ahead of a possible ‘concrete’ move in the summer window, suggesting that they have made contact with either Milan or the player’s representatives to see if a transfer is realistic.

There is no mention of how much it would take to take the Italian giants into selling Maignan, but Chelsea must now push to get a deal done for him ahead of next season.

Why Chelsea should sign Mike Maignan

The Blues hit the jackpot when they signed Desailly, who went on to be a regular for many years and racked up over 200 first-team appearances, from Milan and they could do the same again by improving their defence with the French shot-stopper, who has played 154 times for the Serie A side.

Robert Sanchez has been the first choice for much of the current campaign and has done little to suggest that he is the long-term answer for Maresca in that position.

The Spaniard has made three errors that have led to shots, five errors that have led to goals, and given away two penalties in his 25 Premier League appearances this term.

Maignan’s performances in the Serie A for Milan over the past two seasons, meanwhile, suggest that he could come in to provide more stability between the sticks.

Appearances

59

41

Clean sheets

20

10

Error led to shot

2

5

Error led to goal

3

6

Penalties committed

1

2

As you can see in the table above, Sanchez has made more than twice as many errors that have led to shots, twice as many errors that have led to goals, and committed twice as many penalties in 18 fewer appearances since the start of last season.

This suggests that Maignan would improve Chelsea’s defence by not making as many critical errors that lead to goals conceded, hence why his clean sheet rate is also more impressive than the current Blues goalkeeper’s.

The French ace, who was described as “world-class” by Serie A reporter Haris Mrkonja, has the potential to be an excellent addition to Maresca’s squad as a replacement for Sanchez, given his form over the past two seasons, and that is why the club must push to land him ahead of Villa.

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Maignan, therefore, also has the potential to be Desailly 2.0 for the club as another defensive titan, albeit in a different position, to come over from Milan to the Premier League to star at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have now submitted a £1.4m bid for an attacking midfielder following a recent scouting mission, according to a report.

Blues plotting youth recruitment drive

Under the helm of BlueCo, Chelsea have maintained a heavy focus on bringing in talented young players, with Sporting CP’s Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo becoming the latest additions to the squad last month.

As we approach the summer transfer window, it appears as though the Blues are set to continue stockpiling young players, with Real Madrid striker Endrick becoming the latest subject of interest, having submitted a £59m offer for the 18-year-old striker.

In terms of central midfield options, 21-year-old Barcelona ace Marc Casado is on the shortlist, with Todd Boehly plotting a £33m bid for the Spaniard, while breakout AFC Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen remains a target at centre-back.

The aforementioned targets all have experience in a major European league, but there have now been suggestions the west Londoners could also be willing to take a risk on more of an unproven quantity.

According to a report from Africa Foot (via Sport Witness), Chelsea have now submitted a €1.6m (£1.4m) bid for Malian wonderkid Seydou Dembele, who is currently playing in Qatar.

Scouts from a number of Europe’s top clubs have been watching the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, and Dembele has seemingly stood out above the rest, having impressed the Blues, Barcelona and Red Bull Salzburg.

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As the starlet is just 16-years-old, he will not be able to move to Stamford Bridge until he turns 18, should Boehly’s bid prove to be successful.

However, there are signs that it could be worth the wait, given that the youngster has been performing very well for Mali U17s, and he has earned the nickname of “Messi” from his friends.

Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Ipswich Town (h)

April 13th

Fulham (a)

April 20th

Everton (h)

April 26th

Liverpool (h)

May 4th

Newcastle United (a)

May 10th

"Real talent" Dembele is one for the future

With the Malian unable to sign for Chelsea until he is 18, we won’t see him in a blue shirt anytime soon, but his displays for his country indicate he could go on to be a top player, with the report stating he has twice received Man of the Match awards at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Not only that, but scout Felix Johnston has also given the attacking midfielder very high praise, describing him as a “real talent”, while also detailing that he is a “really nifty” left-footed number 10.

Understandably, the news may once again call into question the fact that Chelsea are stockpiling a huge number of young players, with Enzo Maresca’s squad at risk of becoming very bloated again in the future.

However, the move for Dembele is relatively low risk at just £1.4m, and he is showing very promising signs for his country.

Arsenal could now be handed the chance to sign yet another Bayern Munich player, following their recent talks with Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman.

Arsenal make contact with Leroy Sané and Kingsley Coman

Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are reportedly keen to bring in a new winger this summer, prompting the Gunners to reach out to Bavaria in search of quality options.

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At the beginning of April, it was reported that Arsenal held “fresh talks” with Sane over joining on a free transfer.

However, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Vincent Kompany’s side have tabled a formal contract proposal to Sane, who was recently named Bayern’s Player of the Month for March amid his sensational end to the campaign, and it is highly likely the German will extend his stay – dealing a blow to Arsenal in their pursuit.

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

After seemingly missing out on the 29-year-old, Arsenal then turned their attention towards Coman, who has expressed a desire to leave Bayern and is far more likely to seal a departure.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia, not to mention arch rivals Tottenham, are also believed to be expressing an interest – so it won’t be plain sailing for Berta.

“Kingsley Coman has already internally expressed his desire to leave this summer, as revealed,” wrote Plettenberg on X.

“Saudi clubs are now taking the matter seriously and are planning a visit to Munich for talks with Bayern. In England, Arsenal are currently the most concrete option – especially since Leroy Sané is about to extend his contract with Bayern. Spurs would like to sign Coman but are currently in a waiting position due to his high salary.”

Since then, Arsenal have moved to open talks with Coman’s representatives, and this communication is said to be “ongoing” as the north Londoners seek to tempt him with a move to N5.

Amid these discussions, it is now believed another Bayern ace could be on the table for Arteta – £165,000-per-week midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Arsenal likely to be offered Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha

According to CaughtOffside, Palhinha is likely to be offered to Arsenal, as his representative seeks a new landing spot just one year after he joined Kompany’s side – following a lengthy Fulham transfer saga.

The Portugal international has made just 21 appearances in all competitions, partly due to a muscle injury, with Liverpool and Man United also set to be handed an opportunity to strike a deal for the former Premier League star.

The Bundesliga frontrunners could be open to selling Palhinha, as they’re currently prioritising a contract extension for Leon Goretzka, so the 29-year-old’s availability is on the cards.

“He’s been absolutely sensational this season,” said pundit Rio Ferdinand on the midfielder in 2023.

“You need someone like that in front of you as a defender.”

As Arne Slot’s current side continue to thrive, FSG have reportedly turned their focus towards the future and sent Liverpool scouts to watch the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, where one midfield star has caught their eye.

Liverpool need reinforcments despite incredible league campaign

As impressive as Liverpool’s midfield has been this season, it could be argued that the likes of Ryan Gravenberch have slowed down in recent weeks as the Reds’ congested fixtures schedule across the campaign catches up to him. And that should come as little shock for Slot, who has started the Dutchman in every single one of his side’s 32 Premier League games.

At this stage of the season, such little rotation often catches up to sides and Liverpool are no different. The champions-elect were relatively poor against West Ham United and were left relying on Virgil van Dijk’s late winner to take a key step towards title glory just a week after suffering shock defeat against Fulham.

Now as many as 13 points clear of Arsenal, Liverpool got away with slipping up against Fulham but it was a warning sign they very nearly ignored against West Ham. As good as they’ve been and as deserving as they have been on their way towards the title, Slot’s side are far from perfect and finding a backup for Gravenberch should be among their priorities this summer.

Just who that might be remains to be seen, however, with reports focused on the Reds’ attacking department and names such as Alexander Isak as the summer transfer window approaches.

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If that is to be their focus, then Slot’s solution for what could be a pending Gravenberch problem may eventually come through the arrival of a young player who’s been compared to Carlos Baleba.

Liverpool plotting Mohamed Sako move

According to The Boot Room, FSG have now sent Liverpool scouts on a fresh mission to watch Mohamed Sako at the U16 Africa Cup of Nations in Morroco. The Burkina Faso midfielder has so far impressed too and is among those on the radar of the Reds alongside Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle United at a tournament full of talent.

Compared to Brighton & Hove Albion star Baleba, it’s fair to say that Liverpool would be landing quite the player if Sako matches the growth of the Seagulls midfielder.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Carlos Baleba

Ryan Gravenberch

Starts

25

32

Progressive Passes

108

153

Ball Recoveries

159

171

Tackles Won

35

30

If Liverpool focus their finances on their frontline and left-back problem this summer, then welcoming Sako as one for the future rather than splashing out on a backup for Gravenberch could be the way forward.

There’s certainly a route into the first-team too. Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah have all played roles under both Jurgen Klopp and Slot and Sako could yet follow suit if those at Anfield make their move.

Chelsea are growing in belief that they’ll seal the signing of a key target this summer, following a decision from European heavyweights Real Madrid which has caused them to change their transfer strategy.

Chelsea expected to go 'big' on the signing of a centre-back

Enzo Maresca welcomed back centre-half Trevoh Chalobah to the Chelsea squad in January after Stamford Bridge officials elected to trigger his loan recall clause, but the Englishman isn’t viewed as a long-term solution behind-the-scenes.

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Chalobah is expected to leave Chelsea again when the transfer window reopens, and reliable journalist Simon Phillips is among the credible media sources to report that the west Londoners want to invest signifcantly in a new central defender.

Indeed, Chelsea are expected to go ‘big’ on the signing of another centre-back, which has led them to target a few interesting names. Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, who has seriously impressed at the heart of Andoni Iraola’s backline this term, is among the options they’ve been considering.

Tottenham (home)

April 3rd

Brentford (away)

April 6th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

The 19-year-old’s contract includes a £50 million release clause which will be active this summer, and this has reportedly piqued interest from a host of elite Premier League sides, including Chelsea.

Recent rumours have claimed that Chelsea will make a push for Huijsen’s signature, but the Spain international isn’t their only key target.

Crystal Palace star and former Blues player Marc Guehi is about to enter the final 12 months of his deal at Selhurst Park, and while Eagles chairman Steve Parish rejected a £70 million bid from Tottenham for the defender in the January window, he could be available for less this summer.

Football Insider state Guehi’s new price tag will range from £50-60 million, which is still significant for someone who’ll be out of contract next year, so it appears Palace are sticking to their guns and won’t let their star England international go on the cheap.

Chelsea chiefs "adamant" they'll sign Marc Guehi this summer

Now, GiveMeSport have shared an interesting update on Maresca’s side and their interest in the 24-year-old. The outlet writes that “influential” Chelsea chiefs are “adamant” they’re likely to sign Guehi this summer, with the club growing in confidence when it comes to winning the race for his signature.

Having left Cobham for Palace in 2021, it is believed Guehi has an “emotional attachment” to his ex-club, and Chelsea believe this will hand them a key advantage as they look “determined” to tempt him with a return.

Chelsea are also now fully prioritising a swoop for Guehi, following Real Madrid’s decision to enter the race for Huijsen, as BlueCo are apparently less confident they can sign the latter defender over Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

The upcoming summer transfer window will be an interesting one for Celtic as they will hope to avoid losing any more of their top players ahead of next season.

Last year, Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion swooped in to sign Matt O’Riley from the Scottish giants for a reported fee of more than £25m.

That came after the Danish magician had scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists in the Scottish Premiership during the 2023/24 campaign for Brendan Rodgers.

The Hoops now have a number of valuable assets who could be targets for other clubs in the upcoming summer transfer window, thanks to their performances this season.

Celtic's top five most valuable players

According to Transfermarkt, 27-year-old central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has been linked with Bayer Leverkusen, is currently the most valuable player in the squad with a valuation of £11.9m.

Celtic’s top two scorers – Daizen Maeda (31) and Nicolas Kuhn (18) – also make the top five list. Maeda is worth £9.4m, and the German forward is the joint-second most valuable in the squad at £10.2m.

Cameron Carter-Vickers

27

£11.9m

Arne Engels

21

£10.2m

Nicolas Kuhn

25

£10.2m

Reo Hatate

27

£9.4m

Daizen Maeda

27

£9.4m

Arne Engels, who joined the club from Augsburg last summer and has scored ten goals in all competitions, also makes the top five list alongside those three and Reo Hatate.

Whilst Celtic will be happy to have so many highly-valued assets at Parkhead, the Hoops once lost a player for £0 who is now worth more than all of them in the form of Aaron Hickey.

Aaron Hickey's current market value

The Scottish defender joined the club’s academy at the age of 12 and spent four years in the set-up before joining Hearts at the age of 16, as he revealed to Brentford’s official website.

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Hickey confirmed that it was his decision to move on from Celtic, rejecting their offer of a new contract, because of his lack of game time in the academy, which meant that the Hoops ended up losing him for nothing.

The versatile full-back then went on to make his senior breakthrough at Hearts before spending two years in Italy with Bologna, between 2020 and 2022, before his big-money move to the Premier League with Brentford ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Brentford reportedly paid a fee of £14m for the Scottish defender and he has only played 35 matches in the Premier League to date, missing 76 games with hamstring and ankle injuries.

At the time of writing, despite his lack of football in recent seasons, Hickey is currently valued at a whopping £15.4m by Transfermarkt – even more than the fee the Bees paid for him.

The 22-year-old talent was even tipped to become even better than Kieran Tierney, who is due to rejoin Celtic this summer, and Andy Robertson by Barry Ferguson, who is currently the manager of Rangers, two years ago, as shown in the clip above.

Hickey, who was described as “amazing” by former manager Steven Naismith, has been unable to fulfill that potential so far, due to his hamstring and ankle injuries, but his significant market value points to the quality he has already shown in his short career to date.

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Despite those injury problems, Celtic may regret losing him for nothing as the young dynamo has gone on to become worth even more than all of Rodgers’ current stars, including Engels, Kuhn, and Maeda.

Manchester City are believed to be “very interested” in completing the signing of a player who has been described as a “superstar in the making” this summer, sending scouts to watch him in action.

Man City preparing for big Nottingham Forest clash

Pep Guardiola’s side’s season has been a big disappointment by their incredibly high standards, with the defence of their Premier League crown petering out relatively early in the campaign. Meanwhile, they were sent packing from the Champions League before the knockout stages.

There is still plenty to play for in the coming weeks, however, not least Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final showdown with Nottingham Forest at Wembley, and then ensuring they secure a top-five finish in the league.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been one of the revelations of the season, sitting third in the Premier League table, so this will be a big test for City, who are looking to go one better than last term, when they were beaten by rivals Manchester United in the final.

Regardless of what happens this weekend, significant reinforcements are required at the Etihad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and a hugely exciting player has now been linked with a move there.

Man City very interested in PSG star Desire Doue

According to a fresh update from journalist Rudy Galetti TEAMtalk, Manchester City are “very interested” signing Paris Saint-Germain teenager Desire Doue this summer. Scouts have been sent to watch the gifted 19-year-old attacker in action, while Guardiola is believed to be a big admirer. PSG will only listen to offers of at least £85m, though.

Doue is a player who could have a massive future in the game, with journalist Julien Laurens recently waxing lyrical over his long-term potential.

“The key was that Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos were both convinced they were getting a superstar in the making. Doue is so talented, strong mentally and physically. At PSG, they say he’s got rugby players’ legs because the bottom half of his body is so strong. They knew in Paris it would take time but they were ready. Luis Enrique was so happy to sign him. He was the player he wanted.”

Doue already has 13 goals and 12 assists in just 45 appearances for PSG, highlighting his end product at such a young age, so the idea of him in a City shirt is mouthwatering for supporters.

Capable of excelling on either wing and also in an attacking midfield role, the Frenchman could provide Guardiola with the extra depth that he craves next season and beyond.

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If Doue continues on his current trajectory, he will likely mature into a world-class footballer over time, and he is exactly the type of player City should be looking to sign, as they look to return to the top of the English and European game.

Manchester United have made “aggressive” £40 million star a top target ahead of this summer but face competition from Chelsea, who are also readying a bid, according to a new report.

Onana calls for Man Utd to stick together as summer window approaches

It was a Manchester derby to forget for both sides on Sunday afternoon, as while the Red Devils will consider themselves unlucky not to score, neither did enough to win the game. United goalkeeper Andre Onana wasn’t called into much action during the 90 minutes, and he believes the club needs to take positives in what is “not an easy situation” at this moment.

“We have to take positives [from the match] as it is not an easy situation at the moment, and we have to stick together,” Onana told BBC Radio Manchester.

The goalkeeper then went on to say that they know the priority is the Europa League and winning that competition. United know winning that competition would not only bring Ruben Amorim his first trophy at Old Trafford, but it would also place them in next season’s Champions League.

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Man Utd make £40m Ipswich star Delap their top transfer target

As the current United team have their eyes set on victory in the Europa League, the club’s board are slowly turning their attention to the summer and what business they wish to conclude. According to ESPN, Man United have made Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap their preferred target for the centre-forward position this summer.

The report states that United have placed Delap, who bagged his 12th goal in the Premier League over the weekend, over the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko when it comes to signing a new striker this summer.

That is because the Red Devils will be able to sign Delap for around £40-50 million this summer if Ipswich were to be relegated to the Championship. That means he would be a cheaper option than what Sporting CP want for Gyokeres or what Napoli want for Osimhen.

However, United are not alone in the race to sign Delap, as Chelsea are also considered to be interested in the striker, and it’s been reported that the Blues already have a £50 million bid ready ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

Liam Delap’s 24/25 Premier League stats
Apps	30
Starts	29
Goals	12
xG	8.95
Shots per game	2.0
Goals per game	0.4
Goal conversion	20%
Assists	2
Big chances created	3

Signing a new striker is considered a priority for United, and Delap, who has been dubbed “aggressive” by former United captain Roy Keane, would be a risk for the Premier League side, as he’s not played for a big team before despite coming through the ranks at Man City.

However, he has 12 top flight goals to his name this season, two of which have come in the last two games against AFC Bournemouth and Wolves, and that has been achieved in a side that looks destined for relegation, so Amorim will believe his scoring instinct and ability to be a threat in the air can excel further at Old Trafford.

Over the last day or so, Liverpool fans received the news they’ve been waiting for all season long, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk both edging closer to extending their contracts at Anfield.

Both players were set to leave Arne Slot’s side at the end of the campaign with their deals set to expire, but the latest news has shed positive light on their futures on Merseyside.

It was reported that both stars are set to extend their stints with the Reds until the summer of 2027, with tying the pair down arguably the best business they could do this summer.

However, there’s no denying that Slot will still want to delve into the transfer market to further bolster his first-team squad, looking to build on the success achieved in the Premier League during his debut year at the helm.

One player has already emerged on their shortlist ahead of the summer, but they will face huge competition from another English side for his signature.

Liverpool plotting summer move for £40m sensation

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are firmly in the race to land Ajax’s 19-year-old sensation Jorrel Hato this summer, offering more depth at centre-back and left-back. Bailey states that ‘Liverpool like him’, but they won’t be alone in their pursuit.

Indeed, Arsenal are also said to be hugely interested in landing the teenager, with his versatility key to the interest from both of the English outfits.

He’s made 44 appearances across all competitions, registering nine combined goals and assists despite his defensive role, building on his progress in the Eredivisie after making his debut at just 16.

The report claims that Hato could be available for around the £40m mark this summer, with Slot keen on securing a move for his compatriot given his showings in recent months.

Despite his tender age, he would be a superb addition to the Reds first team squad, potentially becoming even better than one other star should he complete a move to Anfield in the coming months.

Why Hato could become a bigger talent than Van Dijk

Centre-back Van Dijk has been one of the leading factors to the success endured at Liverpool this season, being a key figure in Slot’s starting eleven, starting every single Premier League outing.

The same can be said for his entire spell on Merseyside, making over 300 appearances in his seven years at the club, cementing himself as one of the best defenders in the world – as seen by his Ballon d’Or standing a few years ago.

He may be 33, but remains as a pivotal member of the side, with his contract extension a boost to Slot, the squad and the supporters in their ambitions of building on their success in 2024/25.

Such a decision won’t scupper a move for Hato this summer, with the Ajax youngster able to learn off his compatriot and potentially become even better than the former Southampton star.

Hato, who’s been labelled “immense” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was named in the top ten of the NXGN 2025 wonderkid list, having the potential to explode in Europe’s top five leagues should he move to the Reds.

Despite his tender age, the teenager has thrived in the Eredivisie, producing countless impressive stats that could allow him to catapult him to a level above that of Van Dijk.

When comparing his stats to the Reds’ captain, he’s managed to win more duels per 90, whilst also being dribbled past on fewer occasions – highlighting his defensive qualities.

Games played

25

31

Goals & assists

8

2

Duels won

4.7

4.6

Aerial success rate

64%

69%

Times dribbled past

0.1

0.3

Tackles won

1.5

0.5

Recoveries made

5.1

3.3

He’s also won more tackles and registered more goals and assists, showcasing the threat he possesses at both ends of the pitch – having the opportunity to improve further as he continues his development.

With Van Dijk entering the final years of his professional career, it’s crucial that the hierarchy plot for his eventual departure despite his new contract, with Hato certainly the perfect player to learn off the elite talent.

Whilst £40m may seem a huge investment in such a young star, it could be a bargain if lives up to his potential, setting the side up for further success in the years to come.

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Today is the day that Celtic could be crowned champions of the Scottish Premiership if they manage to avoid a defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice Park.

The Hoops only need a point to claim the title for the fourth year running, beating their city rivals to the crown once again, in the early kick-off this afternoon.

Brendan Rodgers is looking to seal his second title in as many seasons since his return to Parkhead, and could be ruthless with his team selection by dropping Adam Idah to the bench.

Why Adam Idah could be dropped

The Ireland international was given the nod from the start to play as the number nine against St. Johnstone at Hampden Park, with Daizen Maeda and James Forrest on the wings.

Idah got on the end of a perfect cross from Reo Hatate to bundle the ball in from close range in the 5-0 win over the Saints in the SFA Cup semi-final.

However, the former Norwich City attacker has failed to provide a goal or an assist in his last seven appearances in the Premiership, which shows that he has not been good enough at league level in recent weeks.

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With this in mind, Rodgers could ruthlessly ditch the striker from the team, despite his goal against St. Johnstone, and that would open up space for Jota to come back into the side on the wing.

Why Celtic should unleash Jota

The Northern Irish head coach could move Maeda back into the number nine role and that would free up the Portuguese attacker to play on the left side of the front three.

Jota, who came off the bench to score the fifth goal against the Saints, re-joined the Scottish giants in the January transfer window when he signed from Rennes on a permanent deal.

Since his return to Parkhead, the 26-year-old wing wizard, who Michael Stewart claims “raises the bar” and is a “game-changer” for the club, has hit the ground running with a return of four goals, three ‘big chances’ created, and two assists in six starts in the league.

This shows that, unlike Idah, Jota has been in fine form in the Premiership of late, with his ability to score and create goals on a regular basis from a wide position.

24/25 Premiership

Jota (per 90)

Percentile rank vs wingers

Goals

0.67

Top 3.9%

Expected Goals

0.51

Top 3.9%

xG on target

0.72

Top 1%

Shots on target

1.51

Top 1%

Assists

0.34

Top 17.6%

Expected Assists

0.39

Top 7.8%

Chances created

2.01

Top 21.6%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the former Al-Ittihad forward stacks up incredibly well against his positional peers in the Scottish top-flight, due to his impressive return of goals and assists.

These statistics show that Jota is an attacker who can make a big impact on a regular basis at the top end of the pitch, which is why Rodgers should bring him into the starting XI for this clash with Dundee United today.

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Posts ByDan Emery Apr 23, 2025

He has the game-changing quality that Celtic could need to get the point that will seal the Premiership title, which would be the Portuguese star’s third in his Hoops career.