Adam Idah and Hyun-Jun Yang could leave Celtic before the end of the transfer window; left-back Marcelo Saracchi joins on loan and winger Michel-Ange Baliquisha signs a five-year deal; Celtic are six points clear of Rangers ahead of the Old Firm derby, which is live on Sky Sports from 11am.
Pictured: Adam Idah and Hyun-Jun Yang could leave Celtic in the current transfer window.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has said Swansea forward Adam Idah will remain in the squad unless a suitable replacement is found.
The striker missed Friday morning training as talks intensify ahead of Sunday's clash with Rangers.
According to Sky Sports News, Idah is in Wales for a medical ahead of a move worth up to £7million, while Hyun-Jun Yang is eyeing a move to Birmingham.
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Rogers, whose pleas for attacking strength had long been ignored, took a clear stance.
“There is interest in Adam but as I have said to the board we are not prepared to let anyone go, particularly in the attacking side, until a replacement is in place,” he told Sky Sports News.
“Frankly, I am in no hurry for Adam to leave, and he himself is in no hurry. However, if an offer comes up that suits everyone, including me, we will consider it.”
Pictured: Ian joined Celtic in 2023.
“Jan has been an important rotation player for the last few years. Sometimes players in a similar situation start to look for new challenges after a couple of seasons.
“I understand that, and the situation with Jan has been developing for some time.
Given the current needs of the squad, we cannot afford his departure. I am confident that if he stays, he will make a significant contribution in the upcoming matches.”
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Brendan Rodgers has backed the moves of Balikwishi and Sarakki but has questioned the timing of the deals.
Celtic have completed the loan signing of Uruguayan defender Marcelo Saracca from Boca Juniors, with the 27-year-old already training at the club's base ahead of their clash with Rangers, which will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Belgian winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha, whose transfer from Antwerp was announced on Thursday, has also returned to training and the 24-year-old could feature in the derby.
The new signings come after a Champions League defeat to Kairat and Rodgers is hoping to avoid a repeat of that scenario.
In photo: Michel-Ange Balikwisha has signed a five-year deal with Antwerp
“The club is effectively managed by the board and Dermot. We sell players at a profit, but we also invest in the team,” the Irish specialist noted.
“The key aspect is the timeliness of investments.
I have always emphasized this because such steps could strengthen us before the start of the season, increasing our chances of success.”
“This did not happen and it is important for us to analyse the reasons in order to improve the club's strategy in the future.”
Sourse: skysports.com
