Well, it’s turning into another busy day in the wonderful world of Celtic through the transfer window. The latest news, according to a new report this afternoon by Football Scotland this afternoon, Alfa Semedo will not be joining Celtic from Vitoria Guimaraes this summer transfer window. The midfielder emerged as a link for the vacant defensive midfield position in Ange Postecoglou’s team, with Callum McGregor having to fill the role as well as be playmaker in the middle of the park.
The former Benfica, Reading and Nottingham Forest man had been reported to be on the verge of signing on-loan initially with an option-to-buy for around €3.5 million. Contrary to that report, the update today indicates that Celtic are going all-in to try and secure the signing of highly courted Brazilian Vinicius Souza.
This of course was reported on The Celtic Star earlier this week with Ange Postecoglou going the extra mile to bring Souza in.
Holding midfielder Souza has seen interest in his employment pique recently, with Fenerbache, Club Brugge and European heavyweights Ajax and PSV also approaching the player about a possible move to the Eredivisie this close season. A towering figure in midfield, the player also boasts phenomenal defensive stats and could be the missing link to the Angeball midfield puzzle for Champions League football next year.
Whilst those talks rumble on, Football Scotland have also revealed that the deal to take wing wizard Felipe Neves ‘Phileas Fogg’ Jota from Benfica to Celtic is extremely close to its conclusion. Wage discussions are reputed to be almost settled, after Celtic fired the trigger on the £6.5 million purchase option with Benfica due 25-30% of any future sale – both percentage figures have been used with the lower one emerging recently – sounds like a bit of bargaining has been taking place, does it not?
It’s all systems go for Celtic this week!
🚨 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 | @mhendry92
🟢 Alfa Semedo will NOT be joining Celtic
🟢 Jota transfer extremely close to being concluded
🟢 Ismaila Soro wanted on loan by PartizanFull story 👉 https://t.co/1YPN6ilHjb pic.twitter.com/rUfJ6BPIHQ
— Football Scotland (@Football_Scot) June 22, 2022
🇵🇹 | Jota
Celtic have agreed terms with Jota & the player will now officially join the club in the coming days.
Benfica will receive £6.4M for the 23 year old.
[@abolapt] pic.twitter.com/lPRDRCga00
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) June 22, 2022
🇦🇷 | Alexandro Bernabei
Argentine left-back Alexandro Bernabei will arrive in Scotland this week to complete his move to Celtic.
The 21 year old will sign a contract at the club until 2027 with Lanus due 10% of any future fee.
[@CLMerlo] pic.twitter.com/bFPnnI2hZ1
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) June 22, 2022
Paul Gillespie
