Celtic are rumoured to be eyeing a move for misfit Chelsea attacker Carney Chukwuemeka next month.
The Hoops aren’t exactly in need of reinforcements but have made the most of January deals in recent seasons with much of their current best XI, including Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn, recruited in the winter window. Recent reports have suggested they will go out to do business again, with a new striker and left-winger seemingly on the agenda.
Chukwuekmeka is capable of filling one of those gaps having played off the flanks in the past and Football Insider say the Hoops are weighing up whether a deal would be possible next month. The 21-year-old cost Chelsea £20m to sign from Aston Villa in the summer of 2022 but has struggled for minutes with just 31 appearances, all of which have been off the bench. He doesn’t appear to have a part in Enzo Maresca’s immediate plans and a loan deal, possibly with a summer purchase option, doesn’t look outwith the realms of possibility.
But it would depend on how much of his £5.2m annual salary, which breaks down at around £100,000 per week, Chelsea would be prepared to cover. Chukwuemeka, eligible for Nigeria but currently a U21 international with England, can play in the no.6 or 8 positions or off either flank.
Closer to home, Brendan Rodgers has backed Kasper Schmeichel to extend his top level career beyond next summer and is hopeful he will do so with Celtic. The Danish international goalkeeper has been outstanding for the Scottish champions since joining in the summer as a replacement for Joe Hart.
Schmeichel signed a one-year contract with the option of another year and Rodgers has no doubts the 38-year-old has plenty left in the tank. The Hoops manager reckons Schmeichel’s bid to play at the 2026 World Cup finals with Denmark can come in tandem with success at Celtic.
“Yeah, he can keep going,” said Rodgers. “That has always been his ambition. I first met him back in 2019 in Leicester. His hunger and drive and desire have always been there. He’s like a young guy, 15 years younger than what he is. He has so much enthusiasm for the game and so much enthusiasm for goalkeeping as well.
“To throw himself about like he does every single day, I really have a big respect for him. He’s obviously got his own personal targets in terms of if he can get to another World Cup, which he will hope to be at. But I just know that he’s loved his life here. He’s enjoying it. We thank him for performing at a very high level for us and hopefully it continues.”
Schmeichel proved his class again when keeping a clean sheet in testing conditions at Pittodrie on Wednesday night as Celtic beat Aberdeen 1-0 to stretch their lead at the top of the Premiership to seven points.
“He’s been massive for us,” added Rodgers. “A game like that one the other night, it’s where his style of work fits in. That’s where it comes into play. Those pressure moments. The ball goes back, especially in conditions like that. Some goalkeepers might not be as comfortable.
“So they then can end up just defending it and going long too early. And then it comes right back at you. But Kasper brings the calmness. As I said, I’ve worked with him a long time. I know his quality. He’s a world-class shotstopper. He’s great with his feet. His authority in the game is superb. His handling is so clean. So he’s been massive for us. Just his whole presence and personality. I’m really happy for him.”