Sport Nation 2Celtic FC manager Brendan Rodgers has much to celebrate as his team leads the Scottish Premiership and performs strongly in European competitions. After a solid start to the 2024/25 season, Celtic fans are optimistic about the club’s prospects. This success hasn’t made Celtic complacent, however, as Rodgers and his recruitment team are exploring new talent to strengthen the squad further, particularly for the upcoming January transfer window.
Celtic’s Form in Domestic and European Competition
Celtic currently sits at the top of the Scottish Premiership following a recent 2-0 win over Kilmarnock. Goals from Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn have helped Celtic maintain their league-leading form, bringing them to ten wins and a single draw in eleven games, with their only slip-up being against Aberdeen. As they enter the international break, Celtic holds the top spot by goal difference, showcasing a strong start that has delighted fans and pundits alike.
In Europe, the team has also made its mark, with wins against RB Leipzig and Slovan, and a draw with Atalanta. Though they suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, Celtic’s performances have otherwise impressed and inspired confidence for further progress.
Arne Engels’ Role in Celtic’s Campaign
Celtic’s notable summer signing, Belgian midfielder Arne Engels, joined from Augsburg for a record transfer fee, and his contributions have been a mixed bag. With three goals and six assists across 14 appearances, Engels has shown his potential, although adapting to the Scottish Premiership has presented challenges. While his offensive contributions have been solid, his off-the-ball performance, especially in terms of tackles and interceptions, has room for improvement.
Engels has yet to register an assist in league play, despite creating three big chances. He has averaged only 0.7 tackles and interceptions per game, highlighting an area where Celtic could benefit from additional support. The club is now reportedly exploring options for bolstering midfield defense to allow Engels more freedom to impact the game offensively.
Interest in Liverpool’s Wataru Endo
To address these needs, Celtic has set its sights on Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, a midfielder with extensive experience and a strong defensive skill set. Reports indicate that Celtic is among several clubs, including AC Milan, Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Ipswich Town, interested in the Japanese international.
Endo joined Liverpool from Stuttgart in 2023 but has struggled for playing time under new management, with just 25 minutes across five substitute appearances in the current Premier League season. This lack of playing time has reportedly made Endo open to a transfer, potentially allowing Celtic to negotiate a deal.
Liverpool values Endo at around £15 million, a high figure for Celtic, whose transfer record is the £11 million they recently paid for Engels. However, a loan move could be a more feasible solution, providing both Celtic with a capable midfielder and Endo with valuable playing time.
The Value Endo Could Bring to Celtic
Endo, known for his exceptional defensive skills and work ethic, could be the ideal addition to Celtic’s midfield. In his final Bundesliga season with Stuttgart, he averaged 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game, as well as 2.9 ground duels won per game. He also excelled in ball progression, ranking in the top 33% of midfielders for progressive passes per 90 minutes. These attributes make him a strong candidate to support Celtic’s pressing game and build-up play.
The 31-year-old’s ability to break up opposition attacks and contribute to offensive transitions would free up players like Engels and Reo Hatate to push forward without as much defensive responsibility. Endo’s experience in Europe and international play would add valuable depth and leadership to the squad, aligning well with Rodgers’ tactical needs.
Why a Loan Could Benefit Both Clubs
A loan deal could be mutually advantageous. Celtic would gain a seasoned, combative midfielder for the remainder of the season, boosting their midfield without committing to a significant transfer fee. For Liverpool, sending Endo on loan provides the opportunity to showcase his skills, potentially raising his value for a future sale or increasing his suitors if he decides to move permanently.
As Celtic seeks to build on its success, bringing in Endo on loan would allow Rodgers to rotate his squad more effectively, preventing burnout among key players while enhancing Celtic’s competitiveness both domestically and in Europe. The addition of Endo could also benefit younger players on the team, offering them an experienced mentor in high-stakes matches.
How Endo Could Complement Celtic’s Current Midfield
Celtic’s current midfield, while talented, could benefit from a player with Endo’s defensive and playmaking qualities. The Japanese international has shown resilience and skill both in and out of possession. During his last Bundesliga season, Endo contributed five goals and four assists, proving his capability in offense as well as defense.
Celtic’s current midfield options, like Paulo Bernardo, have not matched Endo’s defensive numbers. With Endo on the pitch, the team could field a more balanced midfield that transitions seamlessly between attack and defense. His experience and high work rate would add a new dimension, potentially allowing Celtic to make deeper runs in European competitions.
Brendan Rodgers’ Transfer Strategy
Under Rodgers, Celtic has made strategic transfer moves to bolster the squad’s competitiveness. Rodgers’ focus on young talents like Engels shows his intent to build a team that can grow and evolve over time. However, the potential addition of an experienced player like Endo suggests a willingness to blend youth with veteran expertise, a combination that could yield immediate and long-term benefits for Celtic.
Should Celtic secure Endo, his impact could be felt both on and off the pitch, adding a reliable presence to the midfield while helping younger players adapt to Rodgers’ tactical system. This approach underscores Celtic’s commitment to challenging for titles at home and making a mark in Europe, leveraging both emerging talents and seasoned professionals.
What Lies Ahead for Celtic
As the January transfer window approaches, Celtic fans will watch closely to see how Rodgers strengthens the squad for the second half of the season. The team’s current position at the top of the Scottish Premiership and their positive European performances hint at the potential for a memorable season. With an addition like Endo, Celtic could solidify its midfield, providing the depth and skill needed to sustain a successful campaign across all competitions.
Securing a loan deal for Endo could offer Celtic the flexibility they need to continue their ambitious trajectory without breaking the bank. If the Liverpool midfielder can recreate his Bundesliga form in a Celtic jersey, he could be instrumental in helping the club reach new heights, both domestically and in Europe. This calculated investment reflects Celtic’s forward-looking strategy, balancing immediate gains with the development of a competitive squad for the future.
In summary, Celtic’s reported interest in Wataru Endo signals a targeted approach to addressing the squad’s needs while building momentum in the 2024/25 season. Whether through a permanent transfer or a loan, Endo’s experience and defensive prowess could be invaluable for Rodgers as he aims to guide Celtic to further success.
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