da premier bet： While typically a difficult window to do business in, the January market has been a defining one for Celtic in recent years – could it be so again?

da pixbet： Back in 2022, for instance, Ange Postecoglou oversaw the notable arrivals of the likes of Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, the three men joining on bargain deals to maintain that season’s Premiership title charge.

A year later, meanwhile, Alistair Johnston was plucked from MLS side CF Montreal, following the Qatar World Cup, with the Canadian full-back still a key figure at Parkhead, albeit while currently sidelined by injury.

Even in 2024, the winter window saw Brendan Rodgers prise Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna, while signing eventual Scottish Cup final hero Adam Idah on an initial loan deal from Norwich City.

Clearly, as the Glasgow side know more than most, there is value to be had in the market at this time of year. Can that trend be repeated this time around?

Celtic linked with statement move for another Bundesliga talent

After snapping up Julian Araujo from Bournemouth on loan, it has been a frustrating few weeks for Martin O’Neill and co since then, with the transfer rumour mill going into overdrive.

A second signing now appears imminent, however, with Czech striker Tomas Cvancara set to join from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, having spent the first half of the season on loan at Turkish side Antalyaspor.

That temporary stint saw the 25-year-old score twice in 13 games, having previously struggled to settle at his parent club, with just eight goals in 54 games in all competitions.

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Regardless of those woes, Celtic are ready to take the punt, having also reportedly looked into the prospect of another German-based signing, in the form of RB Leipzig’s Xaver Schlager.

As per German outlet 4-4-2, the Hoops are among the clubs who are interested in the 28-year-old, with Serie A duo AS Roma and Juventus also said to be in the frame.

As noted by the report, the 49-cap Austria international is an ‘attractive’ option considering his contract is set to expire this summer, ensuring he could join for nothing in June, or arrive at Parkhead for a knockdown price of around €5m (£4m) this month.

Why Schlager signing could spell the end for Engels

Talk of moving for Schlager comes amid interesting speculation regarding Arne Engels’ future at Celtic, with the club’s record signing having been linked with a move away in recent days.

Interestingly, it is Leipzig who are said to be “exploring” a possible move for the young Belgian midfielder this month, ensuring there could potentially be something of a trade of places on the cards before the window is out.

Engels, weighed down by that £11m asking price from the outset, has endured a mixed time of things at Celtic Park, albeit while nailing down a regular role for himself this season, having chalked up 32 goal involvements in 85 games since his arrival 18 months ago.

Still only 22, he is undoubtedly a talent, but if O’Neill and co were interested in acquiring the finished article, then Schlager might just be the man to help send Engels on his way.

Hailed as a “tough-tackling and hard-running central midfielder” by former Leipzig director Christoper Vivell, the in-demand talent has a wealth of experience at the elite level, across his time in Austria and Germany.

Indeed, he previously racked up 22 goals and assists in 107 games at Red Bull Salzburg, while also registering 12 goal involvements in 81 games at Wolfsburg.

His time at Leipzig, albeit while hampered by injury, has seen the hard-working star chip in with 13 goals and assists in 94 games, a solid return considering he is typically deployed in something of a deep-lying midfield berth.

Schlager – 25/26 Bundesliga stats

Stat (*per game)

Record

Games

13

Starts

9

Goals & Assists

2

Pass accuracy*

86%

Key passes*

0.6

Tackles*

1.5

Interceptions*

0.5

Recoveries*

4.1

Aerial duels won*

67%

Stats via Sofascore

In his own words, he is “not the most comfortable opponent for opposition players”, in reference to his aggressive, all-action style, which would surely win supporters over quickly in Glasgow.

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He may have missed much of last season due to injury, although the left-footer’s ball-winning prowess shone through in 2023/24, averaging 3.5 tackles and interceptions per game in the Bundesliga, as per Sofascore, while also averaging seven recoveries per game.

For context, Engels was far less effective for FC Augsburg that season, in what was his final campaign in Germany, having averaged just 1.5 tackles and interceptions, alongside just 1.9 recoveries.

Considering Schlager – albeit while far more experienced – also bettered the Belgian for assists (five vs two) further highlights why he could be a potential upgrade, with this a deal that O’Neill certainly should be considering.

Cashing in on Engels, and landing the Austrian on the cheap in his place, could represent yet another fine piece of modern January business for those at Parkhead.

Alongside Cvancara: Celtic in talks to sign exciting replacement for Kuhn

Celtic have a genuine interest in signing a winger who would finally replace Nicolas Kuhn.

ByDan Emery