Celtic Reignite Kasper Høgh Interest as Club Prepare For Life Without Maeda
Celtic have reportedly began talks with Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt over striker Kasper Høgh to replace outgoing attacker Daizen Maeda. Høgh, who was also linked with a move to Parkhead in January, has scored 41 times in 77 games for Kjetil Knusten’s side, including five in last season’s Champions League as the former Norwegian champions reached the round of 16. Celtic’s only signing of the summer so far Camilo Duran scored the same number in Europe’s elite competition for former side Qarabag last campaign. The Parkhead side certainly look to be bolstering their attacking options as they look set to lose Daizen Maeda to Premier League side Ipswich Town, for a fee in the region of £10m. Maeda, who represented Japan at this summer’s World Cup, is said to be having a medical with the Tractor Boys today, after coming to life in Celtic’s title bid after a below par season, becoming the first Hoops player to score in all five post-split fixtures, netting seven in total including a stunning overhead-kick against Rangers, and a goal on the final day which put Celtic top of the table. Potential replacement Høgh was left out of Knutsen’s side for their match on Wednesday which added fuel to the fire, but the 57-year-old insists it was purely rotational. The Danish international has been involved with the national side following their 4-2 qualifying defeat to Scotland at Hampden, making his debut in the subsequent playoff against North Macedonia. And with a move to the Scottish champions seemingly in the offing, it would suggest their under-pressure hierarchy are starting to accelerate their transfer dealings.
Celtic Announce Camilo Duran as First New Signing of the Summer
Celtic have confirmed the signing of forward Camilo Duran on a year deal, making him the Premiership champions first signing of the summer window. The 24-year-old joins from Azerbaijan side Qarabag, scoring 15 and setting up ten. Five of his goals came in the UEFA Champions League, converting against sides such as Benfica, Frankfurt and Newcastle. The versatile frontman becomes the first Colombian to dawn the green and white hoops of Celtic, and he spoke of his emotion after being confirmed as the first permanent addition in manager Martin O’Neill’s permanent spell. Duran told club media: “I’m very happy, it’s a dream come true to sign for a big club like Celtic, the biggest in Scotland, and I’m just excited to get going and score lots of goals. “When I first heard of the interest there was absolutely no doubt in my mind and I’m just excited to get playing with the boys. “It was a dream come true playing in the Champions League,. “That’s what you dream of as a kid, so to score goals was amazing and that’s what I want to continue doing here, scoring goals in the Champions League. “I give it my all in every game, with a lot of effort and dedication, and hopefully the goals will come. “It’s an honour to be the first Colombian to play for Celtic. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid (to play for my country) and I hope that being here at Celtic and working well, then one day that will become true. “I’ve told the manager how happy I am to be here and that I will hopefully repay him with my performances. It’s a real honour to wear this jersey and I hope that this year we’ll be champions.” Celtic will continue their pre-season in a warm weather Portuguese camp that may see Duran feature against Sporting Lisbon. His first taste of competitive action could come when the Bhoys begin their title defence at Celtic Park on the evening of August 3rd against Dundee.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Signs One-Year Extension at Celtic
Celtic midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a new one-year deal at Parkhead following the expiry of his initial contract. The former Liverpool player signed for Martin O’Neill in February of this year, and netted an injury-time winner on his debut at Celtic Park vs Livingston just four days later, a goal which ultimately proved vital after the Glasgow giants pipped Hearts to the league by only two points in the end. Oxlade-Chamberlain now links up with O’Neill again, with the Northern Irishman in charge this time on a permanent basis and making the former Premier and Champions League winner his first official signing since. The ex-England international told Celtic’s club channels: “I’m delighted to be staying at Celtic for another year. “It was an incredible time last season, and to be part of that success in winning the league and the Scottish Cup was so special. “I’m really excited to be back, and I’m looking forward to meeting up with the boys and getting to work ahead of what will hopefully be another successful season.” The Southampton academy graduate made 12 appearances in total since joining Celtic, scoring twice against Livingston and St. Mirren, and featuring from the bench in Celtic’s 3-1 Scottish Cup Final win over Dunfermline.
Former Celtic Boss Ange Postecoglou Announced as New Al-Nassr Manager
Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has been confirmed as the new boss of Saudi League side Al-Nassr on a two-year deal. The Australian had been linked with the vacant Scotland national side post since Steve Clarke’s resignation following an early World Cup exit, but the 60-year-old will instead head to the Middle East to take charge of a team with Cristiano Ronaldo within its ranks. The former Tottenham Hotspur coach, who famously ended a 17-year trophy drought at the Lily Whites when he delivered Europa League success in 2025, has been out of work since a disastrous spell of 39 days at Nottingham Forest in the same year, in which he failed to win a single game. He had been heavily linked with the Scotland job due to his time spent in the country at his domineering Celtic where he won five out of six available domestic trophies, as well as has international management expertise with his homeland Australia, winning them their first ever Asian Cup in 2015. But now he takes the reins of the Saudi Pro League champions, following former manager Jorge Jesus’ resignation after clinching the title by two points. Postecoglou will work with Ronaldo, as well having the likes of Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane also at his disposal. He becomes the second manager to move to Saudi Arabia after managing Celtic after his Parkhead replacement Brendan Rodgers did the same when he joined Al-Qadsiah. The pair will face off next season. Postecoglou, who has experience managing in Asia before with Yokohama Marinos, was marked as favourite to take over at Scotland with some betting sites. Now it is Everton manager David Moyes that leads the way with bookmakers, followed by Clarke’s former assistant, and ex-Everton player under Moyes, Steven Naismith.
An Hour and a Half From History: Scotland vs Brazil Match Preview
Scotland take on Brazil in the final game of Group C on Wednesday evening at 11pm UK time, knowing a point or three at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami should guarantee automatic advancement to the round of 32. Defeat can also see Steve Clarke’s side progress with 3rd place assured thanks to the victory over Haiti meaning they are unable to leapfrog Scotland on head to head rules, although it would leave an anxious wait throughout the rest of the week to remain one of the eight best ranked third placed nations. Brazil top the group currently, having drawn with Morocco 1-1 on the first match day but creating daylight between the two on goal difference by beating Haiti 3-0 on the same day the Moroccans defeated the Scots just 1-0. The World Cup masters are now managed by Carlo Ancelotti, with the Italian being one of 26 men in the dugout of a country they are not from at this summer’s tournament. Scotland have faced Brazil at the World Cup more times than they have faced anyone else, with this week’s meeting set to be the fifth occasion the two teams compete after previously faring off against one another in 1974, 1982, 1990 and 1998. Besides a 0-0 draw in 1974, Brazil have won every other fixture by a combined score of 7-2. Yet despite only mustering three shots on target so far this summer, Scotland have a marginally higher xG than Brazil, recording 2.1 to Brazil’s 2.0. And down the other end of the park, Scotland have a xG against to 1.8 to the Brazilian’s 1.9. But if history tells us anything, it is that Brazil have a better chance of scoring on Wednesday than anyone. They have scored a record high of 241 goals in tournament history, appeared in every iteration of the World Cup, and won it five times, more than any other country. John McGinn scored Scotland’s only goal from first two games, whilst Vinicius Jr and Matheus Cunha evenly share Brazil’s four successful strikes against Morocco and Haiti. Neymar is set to play a role on Wednesday, with the Santos winger returning back to full fitness after missing the first two ties. He still holds the record for the highest transfer fee paid for one player after his move to PSG in 2017, and will be looking to add to his 8 goals scored at a FIFA World Cup. However, Scotland may be able to take some solace from the fact that Brazil’s last qualifying game ended in a 1-0 defeat to Bolivia, a side swept aside by the Scots 4-0 on U.S soil on the cusp of the tournament beginning. No Scotland side has ever made it through a group stage of any major international tournament, hoping to break their unwanted record of most World Cup campaigns without surpassing the groups this summer on the ninth attempt. It is the biggest version of the World Cup since its conception, and Scotland know they might not get a chance to redeem all those years of hurt for another 28 years if they are unable to do so this summer.
Dundee Announces Blackadders LLP as New Training Partner
Dundee have today announced a partnership with Blackadders LLP as their new official training partner. The national law firm, who were first based in the City of Discovery only, will now feature on all of the club’s training wear, a first of its kind deal for the Dark Blue’s. Dundee’s Managing Director John Nelms highlighted the importance of having a sponsorship agreement with a company that has heritage so close to home as Blackadder’s LLP does. He said: “We are delighted to welcome Blackadders LLP as our new Training Wear Partner. “Blackadders is a highly respected Scottish firm with strong ties to Dundee, and we are proud to be partnering with an organisation that shares our ambition and commitment to the local community. “We look forward to working together throughout the season and beyond.” Blackadders Joint Managing Partner Emma Gray also spoke on her optimism ahead of the agreement taking shape. She said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Dundee Football Club as its new Training Wear Partner. “The club plays an important role in the city and its community and we are proud to support the team, staff and supporters. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents and look forward to a successful relationship with Dundee FC.” Dundee will fly to Hungary for a week-long pre-season camp on June 28th, ahead of their first League Cup Group Stage fixture at home to Airdrieonians on July 11th. Their pre-season preparations continue with a home friendly against English Premier League side Everton scheduled amongst the rest of their League Cup ties, before kicking-off their Premiership campaign away to title holders Celtic on August 3rd.
Maison des Icônes – Preserving Defining Sporting Moments Through Art
Icons are not made. They are remembered. And Maison des Icônes are remembering some of sport’s most iconic moments and figures, starting with Zinedine Zidane’s World Cup-winning performance in the 1998 final for France against Brazil. With their first piece being a recreation of artist Celia Calle’s 2001 work in partnership with Adidas, it treats this moment of footballing history with care, context and style. After speaking with Maison des Icônes founder Duncan Frew, he explained the motivation behind the artwork. Frew said: “The inspiration came from a simple observation: football has created some of the most powerful cultural moments of the last century, yet very few of them have been immortalised with the same artistic reverence as other areas of culture. “You can walk into a gallery and find beautiful pieces celebrating cinema, music, fashion or history, but the moments that made millions of football supporters cry, celebrate and fall in love with the game are often only remembered through photographs, old shirts or memorabilia. “Maison Des Icones was created to bridge that gap – transforming football’s most iconic moments into timeless works of art that deserve a place on the wall, not just in a collection of memorabilia. “Football has always been a huge part of my life. It is more than a sport – it is emotion, identity, family and memories passed between generations. “Art has the unique ability to capture emotion in a way that photography sometimes cannot. A great artist does not simply recreate a moment; they reinterpret it, highlighting the feeling, movement and story behind it. “By bringing football and art together, Maison Des Icones aims to create something that resonates equally with the lifelong supporter, the collector and the lover of beautiful design.” The sole piece available just now is originally Celia Calle’s, an artist who worked with Adidas in 2001 with pieces to commemorate some of their most famous boots of the early 2000s. Maison des Icônes were delighted she was able to buy into their idea from their first conversation. “Celia immediately understood the vision. She has spent years transforming sporting moments into sophisticated pieces of contemporary art, so the idea of creating a dedicated maison celebrating football’s greatest icons was a very natural fit. “What excited us both was the opportunity to move beyond traditional sports memorabilia and create something with genuine artistic value – pieces that people would proudly display in their homes alongside any other form of fine art. “Celia is an incredibly important part of the Maison Des Icones story and her artistic style was fundamental in bringing the original vision to life. “Our immediate focus is on building this journey together and creating a collection that establishes the identity and standards of the Maison. “Looking to the future, the beauty of the concept is that football has inspired many incredible artists across different styles and mediums. There may be opportunities to collaborate with other artists who share our philosophy, but any future partnership would always need to protect the quality, craftsmanship and emotional storytelling that defines Maison Des Icones.” So far, the only available piece is that of Zidane, which is available to purchase through the link at the bottom of this article. But rest assured, despite the French name and debut, there is scope to take the brand beyond Les Blues. “The French name reflects the artistic heritage, craftsmanship and sense of timeless elegance that sits at the heart of the brand, rather than limiting the stories we choose to tell. “Football is the world’s game, and Maison Des Icones will celebrate iconic moments from every era, country and club. Whether it is a World Cup-winning moment, a legendary club triumph or an individual piece of brilliance, our ambition is to curate the moments that transcended football and became part of global culture. “There are several exciting moments currently being explored, although we are deliberately keeping some of them under wraps for now. “What I can say is that we are not simply choosing famous goals or famous players. The moments that interest us are those that represent something bigger – moments of genius, triumph, heartbreak and cultural significance.” Check out Maison des Icônes website here: https://maisondesicones.com And follow them on Instagram to ensure you do not miss any future releases: https://www.instagram.com/maisondesicones.art
Top 10 Scotland Goals at the World Cup
Scotland return to the World Cup in the small hours of tonight for the first time in 28 years against Haiti. The Tartan Army have gone a generation without seeing their side add to the 25 goals scored in World Cup Finals, with the last of these coming Craig Burley in a 1-1 draw with Norway in 1998. But having qualified with the help of a gravity-defying Scott McTominay overhead kick, a Kieran Tierney strike that curled as quick as an F1 motor, and Kenny McLean’s effort that travelled half the length of Hampden, there is every chance this squad breaks into this list of top ten goals scored by the Scottish national team at World Cup Finals. 10. Graeme Souness vs Soviet Union, 1982 Scotland captain Graeme Souness scored his first goal for the national side in a 2-2 draw with the Soviet Union in Espana ’82. He picks up the ball 40 yards from goal, drives forward and jinks past one Soviet defender, before drilling the ball accurately into the bottom left corner from outside the box. 9. John Wark vs New Zealand, 1982 In the opening game of the aforementioned 1982 campaign, John Wark netted twice in as many minutes as Scotland thrashed New Zealand 5-2. This entry is Wark’s second of the match, as he met Gordon Strachan’s floated cross with a powerful diving header to help give Scotland lift-off in Malaga. 8. Craig Burley vs Norway, 1998 The final goal, as of yet, to be scored at the World Cup from a Scotland player. Former Chelsea and Celtic midfielder Craig Burley chased a ball over the top and delicately lobbed the ball into the Norway net to bag what was the final goal of a 1-1 draw. The group in France was also made up with this year’s opponents Morocco and Brazil. 7. Peter Lorimer vs Zaire, 1974 Scotland kicked off the 1974 tournament with a 2-0 win over Zaire (now D.R Congo) in a campaign they ended unbeaten but would not progress in because of goal difference. Joe Jordan headed the ball to Peter Lorimer at the edge of the penalty area, who caught it on the volley and found the top right corner to give Scotland the opener. 6. John Robertson vs New Zealand, 1982 From the same game as Wark’s header, Nottingham Forest legend John Robertson ended hopes of a New Zealand comeback with a free-kick just outside the box, curled excellently into the top left to give Scotland a 4-2 lead, before Steve Archibald completed the rout later on. 5. Kenny Dalglish vs Netherlands, 1978 It was about time the record goalscorer made this list. Kenny Dalglish contributed to a very famous win over Holland in ’78. Joe Jordan leaped up to put the ball across the penalty box much like he did four years prior, and King Kenny was unmarked, unleashing a rocket of a half-volley beyond the Dutch goalkeeper high into the right of the goal. 4. Kenny Dalglish vs New Zealand, 1982 When you score as many goals for Scotland as the King has, you run the risk of making this list twice. However, a lot of this goal’s value is down to the assist from Strachan. The former Scotland gaffer used his blistering pace to teleport into the box, before passing to Dalglish who lifted it in the goal on the slide just at the corner of the six-yard box. 3. Gordon Strachan vs West Germany, 1986 And the winger never just set them up, he could score them as well. He evaded the German backline and got onto the end of a through ball from Roy Aitken, hitting it first time across the goal into the top left to give Scotland a lead against West Germany for all of five minutes, before succumbing to an eventual 2-1 defeat. 2. David Narey vs Brazil, 1982 Another famous opener in an eventual defeat, coincidentally scored 18 minutes in like Strachan’s vs West Germany, Dundee United hero David Narey gave Scotland the lead with a stunning attempt from Narey from outside the box. He picks the ball up narrowly with his left foot, then fires it like a missile with his right into the same side of the net, before the Brazilians found their rhythm and won 4-1. 1. Archie Gemmill vs Netherlands, 1978 Arguably the most iconic Scotland goal until that night against Denmark in November, but without a doubt the most iconic Scottish goal at the World Cup. Archie Gemmill scored his second in a famous 3-2 win, picking the ball up on the right flank, skipping passed three Dutch defenders with ease, and lifting the ball so calmly over the despairing Netherlands goalkeeper to write his name in Scottish World Cup history.
Martin O’Neill Becomes Celtic Manager on a Permanent Basis
Martin O’Neill has signed a one-year permanent contract as manager of Celtic, with the possible option of an extra year, after guiding the Hoops to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season. The 74-year-old was called in on an interim basis twice last season after the resignation of Brendan Rodgers and sacking of Wilfried Nancy. And after winning 28 of the 35 games with the Northern Irishman at the helm, the Parkhead club have retained his services for an extra season. He told club media: “It is once again a great privilege for me to continue as Celtic manager. Last season will live long in all our memories and to be part of that success has in a big way whetted the appetite to work again for more days like those and bring our supporters those moments. “Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the players and staff and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for bringing that level of focus, determination and talent to bear at the conclusion of the season to deliver the league and Cup double. “I would particularly like to thank the Board for asking me back and giving me this opportunity again. “We know of course that Celtic can never rest on past success so we are now aiming to drive forward together in the coming season as we aim to deliver again for the club and our fans. “I thank our fans for their ongoing support, it means everything to us. I look forward to being back at Celtic Park next season when we will come together and we will strive again to bring our fans the success which that support deserves.” Last season’s Premiership title and Scottish Cup win brought O’Neill’s silverware haul in Glasgow up to nine, and said at the end of last campaign that the post had given him ‘a reason to live’. Former Celts loanee Robbie Keane had reportedly discussed the role with minority shareholder Dermot Desmond, but dozens of Celtic fan groups signed an open letter against the move due to the Ireland top scorer’s work with Maccabi-Tel Aviv from Israel. The defending champions are yet to release any details of their pre-season, so it remains to be seen the first time O’Neill will be back in the dugout. His first competitive game back will be on the weekend of August 1st, when the Premiership season commences.
Craig Gordon Labels Last Day Heartbreak an ‘Injustice’
Hearts Goalkeeper Craig Gordon has broken his silence on last season, citing Celtic’s title win as an ‘injustice’. The Edinburgh side led the pack from October until the dying minutes of the season when late goals at Celtic Park from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand terminated their title bid. And former Hoops goalkeeper Gordon, who is in the Scotland World Cup camp currently, posted his grievances of the campaign on social media in a thank you message to the Hearts support. He said: “It’s taken 3 weeks to find the words, and I still don’t really think I’ve found them. “A lot has happened since then, football moves quickly. I’ve been to Hampden, Miami and now New York, and I’m very grateful I get to do that. “But that day was one of the most emotional moments of my career. The anger, the disappointment, the injustice. But the support and togetherness too. “The scenes outside Tynecastle – to see the connection we had with the fans. That’s what football is about. “We knew that would be the last time that group was together, and we wanted it so much for each other. It wasn’t to be, but I’m so proud to be part of that team and what we achieved.” Controversy still surrounds Celtic’s title win after the Parkhead giants were awarded a dramatic last minute penalty after a VAR review in their penultimate round of fixtures at Fir Park, the same ground just days before Hearts were denied a penalty despite a VAR review. Since the final day, Hearts have lost Lawrence Shankland, Alan Forrest, Beni Baningime and Frankie Kent, all of whom featured in the Celtic Park defeat. And 43-year-old Gordon and Socceroos midfielder Cammy Devlin’s futures will likely be resolved after this summer’s World Cup, with Gordon checking in North America as the tournament’s oldest player. He has the opportunity to add to his 84 Scotland caps as early as tonight when Scotland take on Bolivia at 9pm.