Sport Nation 2Celtic faced a significant setback this summer with the departure of Matt O’Riley, arguably their most influential player last season. O’Riley, who contributed nearly 40 goal involvements throughout the 2023/24 campaign, left a considerable void in the team’s midfield. As a result, Celtic made multiple signings to bolster their squad, with the most notable being the acquisition of Arne Engels, who arrived at Parkhead for a club-record transfer fee. Additionally, Luke McCowan was signed from Dundee FC, and Paulo Bernardo, who had impressed on loan last season, was signed permanently from Benfica.
While these new arrivals are undoubtedly talented, they have not yet demonstrated the same level of output that O’Riley consistently provided. Given the high expectations from fans and the need to maintain a competitive edge in the league and European competitions, it is clear that Celtic still requires more firepower in the midfield. The current crop of midfielders, although skillful, does not seem capable of replicating O’Riley’s goal contributions.
Midfield Concerns
The departure of Matt O’Riley created a gap that has not been fully addressed. Last season, O’Riley was the creative engine of the team, contributing not only with assists but also scoring important goals. His ability to operate as a box-to-box midfielder while maintaining a high level of consistency was crucial to Celtic’s success in both domestic and European competitions.
Arne Engels, brought in with high hopes, is still adapting to life at Celtic. The 21-year-old midfielder, while showing flashes of brilliance, has not been able to make the same immediate impact as O’Riley did. Similarly, Paulo Bernardo, now a permanent signing, has not yet replicated the form he displayed during his loan spell, and Luke McCowan, though promising, still needs time to adjust to the pace and intensity of top-flight football.
Celtic’s midfield at present lacks the dynamism and attacking output that O’Riley offered. The club needs a player who can not only dictate play but also contribute significantly in the final third, providing goals and assists on a regular basis. Given these concerns, it would be wise for Celtic to explore potential reinforcements when the January transfer window opens.
Carney Chukwuemeka: A Potential Solution
One player who could potentially address Celtic’s midfield issues is Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka. The young Englishman, who has struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge, could be an ideal loan target for Celtic in January. Since the arrival of Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, Chukwuemeka has found himself sidelined, making only a single appearance this season. At 20 years old, Chukwuemeka is at a crucial stage in his development, and regular first-team football is essential for him to realize his potential.
Chukwuemeka has long been regarded as one of England’s brightest midfield prospects. He first rose to prominence at Aston Villa, where his performances at youth level drew attention from top clubs across Europe. Known for his technical ability, intelligence on the ball, and eye for goal, Chukwuemeka was quickly snapped up by Chelsea in 2022. However, like many young players at big clubs, his opportunities have been limited due to the depth of talent in Chelsea’s squad.
Why Celtic Should Consider Chukwuemeka
Celtic could offer Chukwuemeka the regular playing time he needs to fully showcase his abilities. The Scottish Premiership would provide him with a platform to play a pivotal role in a team that consistently competes for trophies and plays in European competitions. For Celtic, securing Chukwuemeka on loan could be a low-risk, high-reward move.
At his best, Chukwuemeka is a dynamic midfielder capable of breaking through defensive lines with his dribbling, vision, and passing. He also possesses a keen sense of positioning and an ability to contribute offensively, which would greatly benefit Celtic’s midfield. If given the right environment, Chukwuemeka has the potential to replicate, or even surpass, the contributions that Matt O’Riley made during his time at Celtic.
Moreover, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has a track record of developing young players, making Parkhead an ideal destination for Chukwuemeka. Under Rodgers’ guidance, players such as James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, and Ben Chilwell blossomed into top-tier talents at Leicester City. Chukwuemeka could benefit from a similar developmental pathway at Celtic, where he would likely receive the first-team opportunities he has been deprived of at Chelsea.
Chukwuemeka’s Skillset and Fit for Celtic
Chukwuemeka’s versatility is another appealing aspect of his game. He can operate as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even in a more advanced role as a false nine. This flexibility would give Celtic additional tactical options, allowing Rodgers to experiment with different formations and strategies, depending on the opposition.
Chukwuemeka’s ability to carry the ball forward, combined with his physicality, makes him a natural fit for Celtic’s fast-paced, high-intensity style of play. His energy and work rate would complement the likes of Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate in midfield, providing the team with more creativity and drive going forward.
Another key factor is Chukwuemeka’s goal-scoring potential. At Aston Villa’s youth academy, he was known for his ability to score from midfield, and although he has yet to replicate that at senior level, the talent is clearly there. Celtic, who are currently lacking a midfielder with a consistent goal threat, could benefit from his presence in the final third. With the right coaching and regular minutes, Chukwuemeka could rediscover his goal-scoring form and become a key player for the Hoops.
The Financial Aspect
Financially, a loan deal for Chukwuemeka would make sense for Celtic. Rather than spending a significant transfer fee in January, the club could bring in a highly rated player without a long-term financial commitment. Chelsea, meanwhile, would likely be open to the move, as it would allow their young talent to gain valuable experience before potentially returning to Stamford Bridge as a more polished player.
For Chukwuemeka, a loan spell at Celtic could be the opportunity he needs to reignite his career. Playing in the Scottish Premiership and competing in European competitions would provide him with the kind of exposure and experience that could accelerate his development. And for Celtic, it would represent a relatively low-cost way to address a key area of need in the squad.
Conclusion
Celtic’s midfield has struggled to replace the impact of Matt O’Riley following his departure, and while the club has made several signings, none of them have fully filled the void left by the Dane. As the January transfer window approaches, Celtic should seriously consider a loan move for Carney Chukwuemeka. The young Chelsea midfielder has the potential to make a significant impact at Parkhead, providing the creativity, dynamism, and goal-scoring ability that the team currently lacks.
For both Celtic and Chukwuemeka, a loan deal would be mutually beneficial. Celtic would gain a talented young player hungry for first-team football, while Chukwuemeka would receive the game time and development opportunities that he has been missing at Chelsea. If the move materializes, it could prove to be one of the smartest pieces of business Celtic makes this season.
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