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Aaron Judge continues to etch his name alongside previous Yankee greats as he adds to an already impressive career in pinstripes. The slugger launched his 45th and 46th home runs of the season on Thursday night in a 9–3 victory over the Tigers, bringing his total with the franchise to 361.

That's enough to tie Joe DiMaggio for fourth-most in a Yankees uniform. Earlier in the series against Detroit, Judge passed Yogi Berra with his 359th homer.

Aaron Boone, Judge's longtime manager, spoke after the blasts about what it's like to ride shotgun on such a ride.

"Joe DiMaggio—that feels like that’s been there forever, right?” Boone said. "Joe DiMaggio, in a lot of ways, transcended baseball. To be next to him on the list, he’s going to be waving as he goes by. It’s been a privilege having a front-row seat to that."

Judge's greatness is no secret and at this point he has been doing it awhile. This is his 10th year and everyone that hasn't been cut short due to injury has been filled with incredible power. Still, it is sort of strange to realize in realtime that he will go down in Yankees lore in the same way the names he's chasing and catching have.

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Apr-2016Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers then combined for a blistering 157-run partnership, which left Sunrisers Hyderabad gasping•BCCIKohli hit 75 off 51, including seven fours and three sixes•BCCIDe Villiers did even better, smoking 82 off 42, including seven fours and six sixes•BCCIBhuvneshwar removed Kohli in the 16th over with an accurate yorker, but by then Royal Challengers Bangalore had motored to 163•BCCIWhen IPL debutant Mustafizur Rahman dismissed de Villiers and Shane Watson off consecutive deliveries in the 18th over, it looked like Sunrisers might manage some damage control•BCCISarfaraz Khan, 18, had other ideas. He scooped and reverse-scooped his way to 35 off 10 balls to propel Royal Challengers to 227 for 4•BCCIParvez Rasool struck early in the defence to bowl Shikhar Dhawan for 8•BCCIDavid Warner, however, muscled a half-century off 21 balls to give his side hope•BCCIBut that evaporated when he holed out to Adam Milne for 58 in the ninth over•BCCISunrisers then lost four wickets – including two to legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal – in four overs•BCCIAshish Reddy showed some fight with 32 off 18 balls•BCCIWatson finished with two wickets as Royal Challengers romped to a 45-run win•BCCI

Moeen Ali demonstrated that he had learned from his experience at Chittagong, but England were lucky to be let back into the game

George Dobell in Mirpur28-Oct-2016There have been many memorable comebacks in cricket. Headingley 1981, for example. Or Koltata 2001. Or the remarkable tale of Middlesex’s Harry Lee, who, at the Battle of Fromelles in 1915, was captured by the Germans after spending three days bleeding and broken in no-man’s land. He defied the doctors, and even a memorial service held by his nearest and dearest, and went on to play one Test during an injury crisis on the South Africa tour of 1930-31.By comparison, England’s comeback on day one in Dhaka seems pretty tame. But, after a wretched first three hours when it appeared they might be facing a vast first-innings score, they could feel pretty satisfied in restricting Bangladesh to a first-innings total of 220. Certainly when they were 171 for 1 and England’s bowlers were struggling to hit the cut strip, it seemed as if things would be much, much worse. To take the final nine wickets for the addition of just 49 runs did, at least, show some character.But impressive though the comeback was, encouraging though the bowling of Ben Stokes, in particular, continues to be, this was a performance that will not have left them quaking in India.If England bowl like this in India, they will be thrashed. They will not be able to afford a session as bad as the first one here and they will not be let back into the game as easily as Bangladesh allowed them back here. The India batting is too strong, too ruthless and too motivated to allow England to get away with such loose cricket.For England got away with it here. From the moment Imrul Kayes thrashed a Chris Woakes long-hop to point in the day’s third over, England benefited from loose Bangladesh batting. While Tamim Iqbal batted beautifully, the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Shuvagata Hom will reflect on their dismissals – wafting outside off stump – with little joy. Bangladesh may still have provided the defining innings of this game, but they will know they have risked letting England back into this game when they should have closed them out completely.There was some progress discernable for England. Moeen Ali, in particular, demonstrated that he had learned from his experience at Chittagong to claim the second five-wicket haul of his Test career. His Test bowling average dipped below 40 as a consequence.We already knew that, on such surfaces, he presented a terrific challenge to left-handed batsman. But none of his five victims in Chittagong was a right-hander and, given the India top-order is packed with them, that was a concern.Moeen Ali claimed the big wicket of Tamim Iqbal for 104•Associated PressHere, by bowling round the wicket, he maximised the benefit of any natural variation. He aimed at leg stump, brought the leg slip and short leg into play if the ball turned and the keeper and slip into play if it did not. And, most of all, he knew that, if the batsmen missed, he was in with a good chance of gaining an lbw decision.Moeen modestly admitted afterwards that he had not bowled an intentional arm-ball but, reasoning that if he didn’t know which ones were going to spin and which ones were going to drift away, the batsmen had even less chance. In all, he claimed the wicket of three right-handers, though the wickets of the left-handers Tamim and Mominul Haque with deliveries that skidded on were perhaps the most satisfying.”It was just natural variation,” he said. “I don’t feel I bowled great. I just tried to bowl tight, which I don’t really do normally. I said to Cooky ‘If I’m not bowling maidens, just take me off.’ It’s something I need to do better.””I did all right. I don’t really have much success as a spinner, but I think the pace I bowl helps and I’m trying to be more consistent. I’m nowhere near where I want to be as a spinner, but I’m trying to be accurate and the 30 games I’ve played have helped me a bit.”Moeen also admitted that Stokes had been England’s “main man”. And it is true that Stokes had, once again, defied the slow surface to hurry batsmen with his strength and pace and defeat them with his control of reverse swing. To have hit Mushfiqur Rahim with a bouncer on such a surface was remarkable. Both Moeen and Tamim described him as “brilliant” and he now has a Test bowling average of 16.33 since January 10. He is no batsman who bowls; he is the real thing as an allrounder. India will have taken note, but perhaps also taken note of England’s over-reliance upon him.Perhaps they will not be so reliant in India. The last time England looked as hapless in the field as they did in the first session here was the Edgbaston Test of 2012 when Stuart Broad and James Anderson were rested. It might be optimistic to expect Anderson to play much of a part in India, but Broad’s absence was felt keenly here. There is no way he would have bowled with so little control.Moeen also revealed that the coach, Trevor Bayliss, urged the team to refocus when they came in at lunch.”He just said that we’re going to have sessions like this in the winter and we’re going to have to get better at recognising it and understanding how to change it,” Moeen said. “He wasn’t really angry. He was just a bit disappointed but he never shows when he’s angry. He just made us focus a bit more on what we needed to do.”And what they needed to do was bowl maidens. Or at least apply some control. Not until the 27th over bowled by spin, did any of England’s trio manage a maiden. It is no coincidence that, with both Stokes (who conceded only 13 from 11 admirably controlled overs) and Moeen bowling with impressive control, the wickets started to fall. It won’t be so easy in India, but it did at least show the direction of travel they must take.None of that disguises the faults. It doesn’t disguise the struggles of Zafar Ansari, who might be excused on the grounds of nerves, or Adil Rashid. And, most of all, it doesn’t disguise the continuing struggles of the top order. So far this series, England’s third wicket has fallen on a score of 21, 28 and 42. They might get away with that in Bangladesh; they are most unlikely to do so in India. But, for now, it did just about keep them in this game.

Real Madrid are reportedly mulling a shock approach for ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to replace Carlo Ancelotti this summer.

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• Ancelotti staring at Real exit
• Los Blancos want Klopp to replace the Italian
• Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso also in the running

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Following a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, doubts surrounding Ancelotti’s long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu are growing louder. Despite his current deal running until 2026, poor form in Europe and inconsistency in La Liga are beginning to weigh heavily. With just seven league fixtures remaining, Madrid sit four points behind fierce rivals Barcelona, adding fuel to speculation that a managerial change may come in the summer if their latest trophy pursuit ends up proving fruitless.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to Real Madrid have been closely monitoring Klopp’s availability and are contemplating making an official move for the German tactician. Klopp stepped down from his managerial role at Liverpool last summer and took a brief hiatus before accepting a new off-pitch position as Red Bull’s Global Head of Football. While he had initially seemed set on transitioning to a less intense role within football’s executive sphere, recent developments in Madrid may tempt him back into the dugout. Real insiders are said to believe that his charisma, tactical innovation, and big-game mentality could be precisely what the club needs in a period of uncertainty.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  For months, Xabi Alonso has been considered the frontrunner to succeed Ancelotti. The Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Spain and Madrid midfielder enjoys a strong reputation in his homeland, thanks to his composed leadership and modern approach to attacking football. Having already proven his mettle in the Bundesliga, Alonso’s tactical know-how and familiarity with the club make him a highly attractive option. However, recent inconsistencies in his Leverkusen side’s performances have sparked doubts among Madrid officials. There is growing concern that, despite his potential, Alonso might not offer the immediate impact or commanding presence needed to steer the team through turbulent waters and back to the top.

• WHAT NEXT?

  While Klopp remains comfortably embedded in his role with the Red Bull group, Madrid’s interest might present a dilemma he finds hard to ignore. With a sabbatical already under his belt and a legacy secured in England, the chance to take over at one of football’s most storied clubs could reignite his appetite for front-line management.

Five great World T20 performances by Associate teams (Netherlands mainly)

Peter Della Penna27-Feb-2016Nepal defeat Hong Kong by 80 runs (2014)
Underpinned by a pair of 40s from the captain, Paras Khadka, and vice-captain Gyanendra Malla, Nepal made 149 for 8 after being sent in on a steamy night in Chittagong. In the end, it was Hong Kong’s line-up that wilted in the heat. The talismanic Khadka struck on the first ball of the chase before the left-arm spin tandem of Shakti Gauchan and Basant Regmi shredded the middle order for five wickets in the space of 13 balls to help secure a famous win for cricket-mad Nepal on World T20 debut.Netherlands defeat England by 45 runs (2014)
After putting a major scare into South Africa before falling short by six runs, the Dutch would not be denied a Full Member scalp in their final match of the tournament. After a typically fiery start from Stephan Myburgh and Wesley Barresi, a middle-order stumble resulted in a modest total of 133. England stuttered in reply after Mudassar Bukhari struck twice in the Powerplay, and a suffocating fielding display produced two run-outs, including a fittingly comical mix-up to end the match.Ireland defeat Bangladesh by six wickets (2009)
Niall O’Brien, who led Ireland’s thrilling chase over Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup, took centre stage here in pursuit of Bangladesh’s 137 at Trent Bridge with 40 off 25 balls. After he fell in the tenth over at 61 for 2, little big brother Kevin gave a preview of the career-defining century he would produce against England two years later, smashing an unbeaten 39 off 17 balls, including a pair of big sixes against Abdur Razzak and Shakib Al Hasan, as Ireland cantered across the line with ten balls to spare.Netherlands defeat England by four wickets (2009)
Despite a roaring start, England failed to hit a boundary off the final 17 balls, ending on 162 to leave the door ajar in the tournament curtain-raiser, at Lord’s. Tom de Grooth pried it open further with an adventurous 49 off 30, and in the end, two were needed off the final delivery to win. Stuart Broad had a chance to deny them after a diving stop in his follow-through, but a hurried shy on his knees from eight yards away summed up a sloppy England fielding display, as the final pair scampered the winning run on an overthrow.Netherlands defeat Ireland by six wickets (2014)

Following their win over Zimbabwe, Ireland’s march into the ten-team main draw seemed assured when they made 189. For Netherlands to qualify ahead of Ireland on net-run-rate tiebreaker, they needed to get to the target in 14.2 overs, an idea so preposterous that Ireland captain William Porterfield wasn’t informed about it until the ambush was nearly complete. Peter Borren promoted himself to open the chase and, along with Stephan Myburgh, initiated a fearless charge, nailing the win with three balls of breathing room.

Whilst their pursuit of Kevin Danso continues, Wolverhampton Wanderers are also reportedly racing to sign a former Premier League midfielder who’s keen on a return to England’s top flight.

Wolves transfer news

After already signing Emmanuel Agbadou this month, Wolves have seemingly set their sights on a second defensive reinforcement in the form of Danso. The Midlands club have even reportedly seen a first bid worth £16m rejected by the Ligue 1 club and must now up their offer if they want to welcome the central defender before the end of the transfer window next Monday.

Centre-back isn’t the only area of concern for those in the Midlands, however. They are also in need of a replacement for Mario Lemina, who looks destined to depart before the end of the month amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

Their former captain, Wolves must replace the midfielder’s experience and can do just that and more by signing one particular target for Vitor Pereira this week.

According to The Sun, Wolves are now racing to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Besiktas this month but face competition from relegation rivals Leicester City and Championship leaders Leeds United.

Wolves now working to sign another new defender for Pereira after Agbadou

Wolves and Pereira have their eye on at least one more addition before the transfer window closes.

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By
Brett Worthington

Jan 26, 2025

The former Liverpool and Arsenal man has fallen down the pecking order at Besiktas and is now reportedly keen on a return to the Premier League. A midfielder who’s won it all in English football, if Wolves want experience then Oxlade-Chamberlain is their man.

Crucially too, they would be denying Leicester the chance to sign such a reinforcement by securing his signature before Monday’s deadline. Whether or not they can thrash out a deal in time remains to be seen though.

"Super" Oxlade-Chamberlain can replace Lemina

At 31 years old, Oxlade-Chamberlain has one last Premier League stint in the tank and it’s Wolves who could benefit. Having missed a number of games through injury last season, the £67,000-a-week man is now seemingly past his issues having missed just one game due to injury in the current campaign.

Playing next to Matheus Cunha in the advanced midfield role, Oxlade-Chamberlain would certainly get the chance to roll back the years in the Midlands and once again unleash some vintage strikes that he often stole the headlines with during his Anfield days.

Full of praise for his shooting ability, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told reporters in 2023: “It was everything: he came here, had played from time to time at wing-back at Arsenal, winger for sure, and he became a proper No.8 here in the way we wanted to play – super-energetic, technically outstanding.

“I remember early and we had our first finishing sessions and I looked and thought, ‘He didn’t score that many goals in the past, if I could shoot like you I would start in the morning at seven and finish shooting at nine or 10 o’clock because it’s incredible!”

After conceding three goals during their latest Premier League defeat, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery knows what position needs bolstered during the winter transfer window.

With Tyrone Mings and Diego Carlos both turning 32 by the end of the season, bringing in another centre-back is top of the manager’s wish list heading into January.

Recent reports indicate that Emery has already set his sights on bringing in a new signing…

Aston Villa's transfer search

As reported by Caught Offside earlier this week, PSG defender Milan Skriniar is set to be put up for sale by the French club next month, with 11 clubs battling it out to secure his signature.

Transfer Focus

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

A price tag of €35m (£29m) has been set for the player, but this figure could be reduced to around €25m (£21m) as per the report.

European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Real Madrid, AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in Skriniar, meaning Villa face some stiff competition.

If they managed to pull off the signing, the Slovakian would be an ideal upgrade for Carlos, no doubt about that.

Milan Skriniar can be an upgrade on Diego Carlos

Carlos has started just 13 games throughout the 2024/25 campaign, failing to really impress during his time on the pitch.

In the Premier League, the Brazilian has lost possession 7.2 times per game, while winning only 45% of his ground duels along with committing one foul per game.

Emery needs some quality in this area and a move for Skriniar could see Carlos moved on in January and this would be the best move for all parties.

The Slovak centre-back has spent the previous seven seasons playing for two of the biggest teams in Europe – Inter Milan and PSG.

Winner of both the French and Italian domestic leagues along with a handful of cups, Skriniar has that winning mentality that Emery requires to lead his defence.

During Euro 2020, Swedish player Albin Ekdal heaped praise on the defender before the clash between the two nations, lauding him as “one of the best in the world”:

This season hasn’t been the most productive, however, making just five appearances in all competitions, slipping down the pecking order in the French capital.

Despite this limited game time, Skriniar has shone on the field. Not only has he won 61% of his total duels contested, but the centre-back has lost possession just 3.6 times per game while averaging a 97% pass success rate in Ligue 1.

Imagine how impressive he could be if he was given a regular starting berth in Emery’s Villa side. Especially considering his solid displays for the French side, despite playing just five games.

A fee of £21m may turn into a wonderful bargain. That’s a certainty.

McGinn 2.0: Aston Villa battling PL rivals for "underrated" £50m maestro

Aston Villa are eyeing up a move for a La Liga midfielder…

By
Ross Kilvington

Dec 28, 2024

Plus: the father and son who carried their bats, and the most stumpings in internationals

Steven Lynch02-Feb-2016AB de Villiers bagged a pair in the final Test against England – but South Africa still won. How many times has a captain got a pair but won anyway? asked Edward Howard from England

Against England in Centurion, AB de Villiers became only the 21st man to bag a pair in a Test match in which he was captain, the second from South Africa after Louis Tancred against England at The Oval in 1912. There have been four instances by Australia and West Indies captains, three by Pakistan, two by England, New Zealand and India, and one by Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Of those, de Villiers was only the fourth to end up on the winning side, after Joe Darling (Australia v England in Sheffield in 1902), Nasser Hussain (England v West Indies at The Oval in 2000) and Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka v Pakistan in Faisalabad in 2004-05).Who scored two Test centuries, completing both of them with the No. 11 at the other end? asked Marcus Porter from England

This cool-headed batsman was Peter Willey, who made two hundreds in his 26 Tests for England between 1976 and 1986. Both centuries came against West Indies, the champion team of the time. The first came at The Oval in 1980: Willey had only 24 when last man Bob Willis joined him at the crease at 92 for 9, but they more than doubled the score in adding 117 – and Ian Botham delayed his declaration until Willey reached 100, from 203 balls in nearly four hours. Eight months later, in the first Test ever played in Antigua, Willey had 69 when No. 11 Graham Dilley came in. Dilley made only 2, but survived for more than an hour, in which time Willey moved to 102 not out, his highest Test score.Does Mahendra Singh Dhoni now hold the record for the most stumpings in international cricket? asked Melissa Gomes from Denmark

When MS Dhoni stumped James Faulkner in the second T20 against Australia in Melbourne last week, it was his 140th such dismissal in all internationals (38 in Tests, 89 in ODIs and 13 in T20Is). That put him one in front of Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara: Dhoni had equalled the old record with his 139th stumping, Glenn Maxwell, earlier in that same innings in Melbourne. Another Sri Lankan, Romesh Kaluwitharana, is the only other wicketkeeper with more than 100 international stumpings – he made 101. Moin Khan is next with 93, while Adam Gilchrist had 92.Mudassar Nazar followed his father in carrying his bat for a century in a Test for Pakistan•PA PhotosThere are only two instances of a team total exceeding 1000 runs in a first-class match. Is it true that Don Bradman figured in both those innings? asked Alex Nweke from Zimbabwe

The two four-figure totals in first-class cricket were both amassed by Victoria in the 1920s: they made 1059 against Tasmania in Melbourne in 1922-23, then trumped that with 1107 against New South Wales at the MCG in 1926-27.
Don Bradman didn’t actually play in either match – he didn’t make his debut for New South Wales until 1927-28 – but one man did: Bill Ponsford made 429 for Victoria in the first game, the record first-class score at the time, and added 352 in the second one. The prolific Ponsford improved his record to 437 against Queensland in Melbourne in 1927-28. That stood as the highest first-class score for two seasons, until Bradman punished the long-suffering Queenslanders for 452 not out for NSW in Sydney in 1929-30.Is Ashish Nehra the oldest Indian player to figure in a T20 international? asked Sunit Kumar from the UAE

Ashish Nehra was 36 years 267 days old when he played against Australia in Sydney last weekend – which makes him the second-oldest Indian to appear in a T20I. Nehra will have to keep going for another couple of years to take the record, which is currently held by Rahul Dravid. He was 38 years 232 days old when he made his one and only appearance in a T20I – having already announced his retirement from the format – against England at Old Trafford in 2011. Dravid is only 16th on the overall list, which is headed by the UAE’s 43-year-old captain Mohammad Tauqir, against Netherlands in Edinburgh in 2015.Is there any case of a father and son carrying their bat in Tests? asked David Ferrier from Norway

There’s only one instance of this. Playing in what was only Pakistan’s second official Test match, against India in Lucknow in 1952-53, Nazar Mohammad scored an undefeated 124 of the total of 331, to set up a decisive lead: Pakistan, who had lost the first Test badly, went on to the victory that levelled their inaugural series. Just over 30 years later, his son Mudassar Nazar carried his bat for 152 in Pakistan’s innings of 323 against India in Lahore in 1982-83.Send in your questions using our feedback form.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has personally earmarked a highly-rated forward as one of his top targets for the end of the January window, with NSWE responding by planning a late move for him.

Aston Villa open to making another January signing

Speaking ahead of Villa’s clash against West Ham United on Sunday, Emery hinted at the possibility of his side making another January addition, especially considering Diego Carlos has now sealed a move to Turkish Süper Lig side Fenerbache.

Aston Villa set to make fresh bid for £25m Olympian after January talks

Unai Emery’s side have been in negotiations for another signing.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 25, 2025

Villa have already signed Donyell Malen in a £21 million deal from Borussia Dortmund, with Andres Garcia soon following the Netherlands international after putting pen to paper on a switch to the Midlands from Levante.

However, Carlos’ departure, alongside any other potential outgoings, could force Villa back into the January market – confirmed Emery on Friday.

“We are open to trying to improve the squad until the last moment, and as well, we are open in case someone is leaving,” said Emery.

“Of course, Diego Carlos left in the last week, and we have to replace him, and of course we are as well focusing on which players could be potential players to replace Diego Carlos.”

Some reports suggest that Villa are poised to submit a second January bid for Sevilla defender Loic Bade, following claims that they had a previous offer rejected and have been in talks throughout January.

However, Emery’s side are not just eyeing up new additions to their backline, as it is believed by some that another new forward accompanying Malen through the door is entirely possible as well.

Besiktas starlet Semih Kilicsoy could be that man, with the versatile 19-year-old attacker standing out as one of the Süper Lig’s brightest young talents over the last two campaigns.

The teenager can play out wide and up front as a natural striker, which may come as attractive for Emery. Kilicsoy’s form at Besiktas even prompted a call-up to Turkey’s national team squad for Euro 2024, where he briefly featured in their quarter-final against the Netherlands.

Aston Villa plan late move for Semih Kilicsoy after Unai Emery call

As per Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Villa are planning a late January move for Kilicsoy, coming after Emery personally identified the Turk as a top transfer target over the coming days.

He’s scored two goals and assisted six others in all competitions so far this campaign, but while these numbers aren’t exactly mind-blowing, Kilicsoy has been called one of Turkey’s most exciting ones to watch in recent years.

“I want to say that he will play for Beşiktaş for many years, but I don’t think we can keep him,” admitted Besiktas chief Feyyaz Uçar in an interview with Fanatik. “He is one of the most talented Turkish players in recent years,”

Tottenham were linked with a swoop for Kilicsoy after scouting him last year, as were other Premier League sides, so a move to England could be on the cards for him if Villa up the ante. However, it has also been reported that he could cost up to £25 million.

Looking to seal a dominant Scottish Premiership title victory, Celtic are reportedly set to accelerate their move to sign a young attacking reinforcement who could replace Daizen Maeda.

Celtic transfer news

The Bhoys are currently 18 points clear of closest title competitors in what has been a dominant campaign in the Scottish top flight, but are seemingly in a ruthless mood as the January transfer window continues to roll on.

Bye bye: Celtic agree £4m+ deal to sell "sensation" with medical now booked

It will net Celtic a profit to reinvest into their squad.

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By
Ben Browning

Jan 10, 2025

And with Champions League action soon returning, the Scottish giants may even get the chance to cause further shocks on the European stage, having already defeated the likes of RB Leipzig this season.

The fact that they’re clear and away at the top of the Scottish Premiership should undoubtedly aid their push to reach the next stage of the Champions League, as could any potential reinforcements.

On that front, the likes of Bazoumana Toure have already been mentioned among the headlines, with Celtic reportedly set to submit a bid of as much as £10m to secure the services of the young central defender.

However, it’s not just defensive reinforcements that the Bhoys are setting their sights on in the January transfer window. According to Football Insider, Celtic are now accelerating their move to sign Sondre Orjasaeter from Sarpsborg 08 this month in a deal that would welcome a player ready to eventually replace Daizen Maeda.

Just 21 years old, Orjasaeter has entered Celtic’s radar following an impressive breakthrough in Norway on top of their own need for attacking depth as they enter the second half of the campaign. As per Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, though, the Norwegian side are looking for £7m to sell their young star.

Maeda, now 27 years old, has once again been among the stars of the show for Brendan Rodgers this season, but could yet get the chance to move back into the No 9 role and away from the left wing if Orjasaeter arrives this month.

Celtic should splash out on "interesting" Orjasaeter

Described as “another interesting young player from Norway” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Orjasaeter’s £7m fee could quickly turn into a bargain if he was to complete a move and continue an impressive rise. Just last season, the 21-year-old was the star of the show at Sarpsborg – scoring six goals and assisting another seven in all competitions.

Thinking ahead to when Maeda is eventually past the peak of his powers certainly isn’t a bad idea either, and the young Norway star seems to be a worthy candidate to do just that at Celtic Park.

Whilst the Scottish Premiership is all but sealed in the current campaign, Rodgers will no doubt already have his sights set on defending his side’s throne for years to come, and perhaps even stepping things up on the European stage in the remainder of the season.