Polish side Lech Poznań have opened discussions over a potential move for Luis Palma. The Celtic wide man is being targeted in a proposed loan agreement, which would include a purchase clause for the following summer. Palma, 25, last featured on loan at Olympiacos during the second half of the previous campaign.
Celtic Close In on Shin Yamada Signing from Kawasaki Frontale Kawasaki Frontale have confirmed that striker Shin Yamada is leaving the club, with the 21-year-old Japan international set to join Celtic in a deal reportedly worth around £1.5 million. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has also confirmed that Yamada will undergo a medical ahead of completing the transfer, but noted the club are still looking to strengthen their attacking options further before the window closes.
Greg Taylor leaves Celtic on a free transfer after six years to join greek outfit PAOK. The left-back knocked back the opportunity to stay at the Hoops as game time was likely to be limited due to the return of Kieran Tierney. Taylor joined the Parkhead club from Kilmarnock in 2019 and had a successful spell winning five league titles and 11 trophies in total. The Scottish champions posted a statement on the club website wishing the 27-year-old well and regarded him as a ‘key figure’ over the years. Brendan Rodgers was keen on keeping the Scotland international and believed Taylor and Tierney could have ‘dovetail perfectly’ together. As Taylor embarks on a new chapter in Greece, Rodgers will no doubt be looking to bring in another left-back to fill the shoes of Taylor.
Former Celtic and Hibernian striker Leigh Griffiths has found a new club this week, and has already made a scoring start. The 22-times capped Scotland international, who famously netted a pair of stunning free kicks against England at Hampden, has continued his late-career adventure in Australia by signing for National Premier Leagues Western Australia side Stirling Macedonia. A Career of Goals Griffiths, who turns 35 in August, enjoyed a fruitful career in the British Isles. He began as a youngster at Livingston before productive spells with Dundee, Wolves and Hibs, eventually joining Celtic in January 2014. During his eight years with the Hoops, he became a firm fan favourite and was the main man in attack during his first two and a half seasons at Celtic Park. Celtic Highs and Changing Roles However, the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, along with big-name signings such as Moussa Dembélé and Odsonne Édouard in 2016 and 2017 respectively, pushed him down the pecking order. Still, the Leith-born striker contributed significantly, finishing his Celtic career with an impressive 123 goals in just 261 appearances and an incredible 14 major honours, adding to a League One title with Wolves and a Scottish Challenge Cup with Livingston. The End of the Road in Scotland Following Celtic’s failed bid for 10-in-a-row under Neil Lennon in 2021, it appeared his time in green was over, as new boss Ange Postecoglou began reshaping the squad. Despite this, Postecoglou handed Griffiths a one-year contract extension early in his tenure. But after off-field issues emerged, the striker was quickly side lined in favour of new arrivals Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis. A brief pre-season appearance in a defeat to West Ham at Celtic Park was followed by a loan move back to Dundee. His second spell at Dens Park failed to match the success of his first, and by January his loan was cut short, his Celtic contract was terminated, and he dropped down to League One with Falkirk. His stint with Falkirk was also underwhelming, bringing a torrid season for the forward to a close. Without a club and seemingly without direction, Griffiths found himself in the footballing wilderness. A Fresh Chapter Down Under But in August 2022, he found a fresh start and a new lease of life, joining Australian side Mandurah City in the third tier. Although a step down in quality, the move brought a better lifestyle for him and his family, sparking an Indian summer in his career. Griffiths went on to score 27 goals in 46 appearances over three years with the Dolphins, while also beginning his coaching journey. He briefly considered a return to Scotland with Livingston, but no deal came to fruition. He also added to his trophy haul with Top Four Cup wins in 2022 and 2023. Early Impact at Stirling Macedonia With this latest move, Griffiths seems settled and content with his life Down Under. Stirling Macedonia are already in the Football West State Cup Final, where they will face rivals Olympic Kingsway. Their recent victory over Inglewood has also secured a spot in next season’s Australia Cup, giving Griffiths the chance to test himself against the nation’s top sides. Griffiths seems to have already made a scoring start, with reports showing a goal in his debut appearance for his new side. Looking Ahead with Purpose His time in Scotland was filled with goals and silverware but also marred by controversy and a difficult end. Now, however, the former Celtic hero appears to have finally found maturity, purpose, and happiness in a new chapter on the other side of the world.
An analysis of the 2025/26 Premiership openers reveals contrasting fortunes for the Dundee clubs — and how each team’s early schedule could shape their season. With the fixtures published last Friday, Dundee face the most challenging opening six games of the 2025/26 Premiership season, based on the average league position of their first six opponents from last season (5.33). In contrast, city rivals Dundee United have the easiest run (7.83), offering a smoother start to top-flight football. Dundee couldn’t have been handed a more challenging test as they look to improve on last season’s 10th-place finish under new manager Steven Pressley, who succeeded Tony Docherty in the summer. Their daunting schedule begins with Hibernian at Dens Park, followed by a trip to Ibrox to face Rangers. A fiery Dundee derby arrives early, also at home, and is sandwiched between a visit to Kilmarnock and a clash with Motherwell. They round off the run with an away trip to St Mirren — a real test for Pressley’s new era. On the flip side, the Tangerines kick off with a trip to fellow newly promoted side Falkirk, followed by a home double header against Hearts and Aberdeen. That leads into the eagerly anticipated derby at Dens Park, before an away day at Easter Road to face Hibs and a home tie against Kilmarnock to round out their first six fixtures. With Dundee facing the toughest start and Dundee United the easiest, our statisticians analysed all 12 SPFL clubs based on the average league position of their first six opponents from last season. Unlike a recent BBC Sport article using Opta’s Power Rankings, this approach is more straightforward — but the takeaway is the same: some clubs face far tougher openings. It’s worth noting this method does not account for home or away advantage, which can also shape early-season momentum. Aberdeen share the same opening fixture difficulty rating (7.83) as Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United. Despite a testing Matchday 2 meeting with Celtic at Pittodrie, they will likely back themselves for a strong start. At the other end of the scale, St Mirren and Livingston (6.17) aren’t far behind Dundee regarding fixture difficulty. Livingston, promoted via the play-offs against Ross County and St Mirren, faces challenging opening blocks, with Celtic and Rangers among their first six opponents. As for the Glasgow giants, Celtic face a trickier start (6.5) than Rangers (7.67). In Edinburgh, Hibs hope to build on last season’s momentum with a relatively favourable opening run (7.17), while city rivals Hearts have a slightly easier stretch (7.68). Falkirk and Motherwell sit mid-table in terms of difficulty (6.5), with Kilmarnock not far behind on 6.67 — potentially benefiting from a softer start on paper. As the 2025/26 Premiership kicks off on the weekend of 2nd August, it’s contrasting emotions on either side of Tannadice Street — with Dundee bracing for impact, and United looking to hit the ground running. Across the league, early momentum could be crucial in shaping the season ahead.
Celtic legend John Clark has today sadly passed away at the age of 84. Clark was part of the iconic ‘Lisbon Lion’ squad, as he started in Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Internazionale in May of 1967, ethching his name into Parkhead folklore. He also shares the rarer accolade of playing in every match of the 66/67 season with Tommy Gemmell, as the Glasgow side won every competition they competed in. He would become part of the furniture at Celtic Park, spending thirteen years as a player, some time as reserves coach, five years as assistant manager to former centre-half partner Billy McNeill, before returning as a kitman in 1997, a role he would occupy for 20 years, making him the longest accumulated serving member of staff at the club after Willie Maley. Clark would make four appearances for the Scottish national team, as well a two year spell at Morton, before hanging up his boots and getting into the dugouts of Cowdenbeath, Stranrear and Clyde, but will forever be remembered for his twelves trophies won at Parkhead. Celtic Chairman Peter Lawwell shared his feelings for Clark: “John was actually a hero to me and so many others, someone who achieved the greatest feat of all club football but did so, along with his great team mates with such grace and humility. “That famous day in Lisbon, which John was such an integral part of, changed our club forever. Ever since, each player who has passed through our club has stood on the shoulders of giants, and John was certainly one of those giants. “John gave his life to Celtic both as a player and on our staff in a variety of roles and his contribution to our great club over so many decades is immeasurable.” Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers, who worked with Clark during his first spell, also had time to reflect on his passing: “John’s continued presence at Celtic across so many decades I know served as an aspiration to so many players, managers and staff, including myself very much. “To have him with us, as part of the club for so long has been a tremendous privilege for us all, it meant so much to us. Through his knowledge, his wisdom and his true love for Celtic, John made such an important contribution to the club.”
Celtic announce the return of Kieran Tierney on a pre-contract deal from Arsenal. Tierney left the Parkhead club in 2019 for a fee of £25 million and spent six years at the Gunners. The 28-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year deal, which will keep him at the Celts until 2030. During his time in London he managed to win the FA Cup in 2020 and was loaned out in 2023 to Real Sociedad. The left-back had a successful time in Glasgow winning 8 major honours with the Scottish champions. The Scotland international spoke of his delight to return to his boyhood club: “Everybody’s known for a few months and just to be here with the Celtic strip on again just feels amazing. “I spoke with the manager, and obviously I had worked with him before and I’ve always kept in touch with him. He’s one of the best so I’m so lucky and grateful that he’s given me the chance to come back again. “When you move away from home, you grow up, you learn different things. I was in Spain for a year, learning a different language and playing in a different league, so I’m definitely a different person. “Player-wise, it’s the same as I always say – I’ll try and work my hardest, I’ll do my best for the club and that’s all I can do. “My ambition is just for Celtic to be as successful as possible, retain our place at the top and continue to win trophies and do well for Celtic.”
Celtic striker Saoirse Noonan believes the inability to close out games this season has been the difference between themselves and title chasing Hibs, whose dreams she hopes to dash this evening. Ahead of the penultimate game of the season, summer signing Noonan believes her side must balance their attacking verve with knowing how to manage games. “For me it’s just learning how to win and I think it’s actually really upsetting because some of the good football that we have played at times has gone unnoticed because you don’t win games,” said Noonan, ” I can go back to the game against Glasgow I think that first half we were well on top we played really well but they know how to win and we don’t.” “I think that’s what’s been the difference this season. No one cares if you play badly, everyone thinks you’re brilliant if you win games. I think that’s the hardest part is that we have done some things right it’s just we haven’t got the results.” With 23 league goals since arriving from English side Durham, Noonan has made an immediate impact in Glasgow such that the forward earned her first Ireland cap since 2021. “I’m obviously delighted that I was able to contribute that this season but look, we’re realistic, we’re all looking at the bigger picture and we didn’t win anything this year,” she said before adding “so those goals don’t really mean anything unfortunately but it’s definitely given me a bit of self-belief and a bit of a platform to work on for next season for sure.” Despite a recent goal drought that has now extended to six games, Noonan was praised by her manager Elena Sadiku. “I told Saoirse that I’m very proud of her. I’m proud of how she’s developed as a leader in the team. Listen, I didn’t expect Saoirse to be our top goal scorer in the first season. I don’t think that she did either,” said Sadiku. “She brings a lot to the team now more than just scoring goals. I’m very proud of the journey she’s had at Celtic and I can’t wait to see more of her next season.” However before looking to next season, Noonan expressed both her and her teammates’ desire to make life difficult for Hibs tonight. “Part of the talk all week is that we can’t win it but we can still cause upsets and that’s so important in football you you want teams to fear you you want to leave your mark,” said Noonan. “If we’re going to look on to building for next season we need teams to fear us so we’re not going to roll over for anyone.”
Celtic boss Elena Sadiku believes her side can test the credentials of title hopefuls Hibs on Wednesday night, almost a year on from the Edinburgh side coming close to denying the Hoops a first league victory on the final day. Speaking to the media ahead of the clash at Meadowbank, Sadiku said there was much to play for despite a top three finish being impossible, with opportunities for fringe players to stake a claim after a disappointing loss to Rangers on Sunday. “I think I’ve made it clear after the game that I’m going to give players chances because I think they have done well in training,” said Sadiku. Having struggled to retain their first title this season, the manager is hoping to lay the foundations to come back stronger for the next campaign. “Nothing comes for free. Maybe it was a little bit easier before when Hibs were not as good or Hearts were not as good, and you knew that there were a few games where we needed to be at the top. But for me, if you want to be a winning team, you need to be at the top even if you play Montrose, even if you play Partick Thistle or Motherwell.” “The performance against Rangers, was not good enough and I want a different attitude towards this game,” she said. “We’re not going to make it easy for them because they sure did not make it easy for us. If that is enough motivation for the players then I don’t think they’re at the right place.” Speaking on the signing of players to improve on the trophy-less campaign, albeit one which saw a first qualification for the Champions League, there was a sense a frustration at the lack of clarity concerning recruitment and the number of individuals involved in the process. “Right now it’s me and David Haley. That’s it,” said Sadiku, “I just need to know from the board exactly how it looks because, obviously, I can’t go out and promise this contract and that contract when I don’t know the answers.” Having come under pressure from fans, the manager remained confident in her ability to take the team forward. “I can deal with pressure. I can deal with fans not liking me. I’ve been through so much worse in my life so this is nothing for me.” “I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I’ve done well with this club. Obviously, this season, domestically, has not been good enough and I know that, but the positive is I’ve learned so much and I know exactly what I need to bring in to make sure that we are so successful next season.”
Rangers kept themselves in the hunt for SWPL title, edging past Celtic courtesy of Kirsty Howat’s early goal and maintaining their undefeated status against their rivals this season. A long range pass from Tessel Middag saw Howat dart into space with only Kelsey Daugherty to beat, the striker making no mistake in passing the keeper before slotting home the opener. Fife, was called into action after a quiet first-half as Saoirse Noonan fired a low driven shot in the second half, but the keeper was equal to it. It proved to be a difficult afternoon for the Irish striker, who fired another good chance clear over the bar. Howat almost grabbed herself a double, one on one with the keeper she was denied by a sprawling Daugherty as Celtic looked to find a way back into the game. Coming close to adding a second for Rangers, Kirsty MacLean’s rocket from outside the box was well saved by the American shot stopper. However there would be no opportunity more golden than one wasted by substitute Morgan Cross, whose diving header could only send a potential equaliser wide following Smith’s excellent cross. Holding for the three points, Rangers pipped Glasgow City to second thanks to their vastly superior goal and sit just three points behind Hibernian with two games left to play. Line-ups: Celtic: Daugherty, Barclais, Clark (Carstens 89), Lawton, Ashworth-Clifford (Cross 70), Nakao (Harrison 82), Gallacher (Cavanagh 82), Smith, McAneny, Noonan, Agnew (Loferski 71) Unused subs: Dawson, Bruna Lourenço, Rodgers Booked: Cavanagh Rangers: Fife, Docherty (c), Rafferty, Middag, McLeary, MacLean, Wilkinson (McAuley 83), Cornet, Hay (Lafaix 92), Howat (Berry 92), Hardy (Ross 88) Unused subs: Arnot, Cruft, Esson Goals: Howat (12) Booked: Cornet, Howat
