Motherwell Signs Ireland Midfielder Joe Hodge as Celtic Eye Attacking Reinforcements

Motherwell have moved decisively in the market, sealing a deal for Republic of Ireland international Joe Hodge from Portuguese side Tondela for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old midfielder arrives with a quietly impressive CV. Raised in Manchester City’s academy in his home city, Hodge went on to sign for Wolves, making 13 first-team appearances and testing himself in the Premier League. Loan spells at QPR and Huddersfield hardened him in the Championship before a season in Portugal’s top flight with Tondela added a different edge to his game.

On the international stage, he has climbed through the Republic of Ireland age groups and made his senior debut against Canada in June, a significant marker for a player still in the early stages of his career.

Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson believes he has found the ideal fit for his midfield.

“Joe is an excellent footballer who fits the profile for the type of midfielder we want in our squad,” Johansson told the club’s website. “He has played in the Premier League against some of the best players in the world and has gained experience in English and Portuguese football. At 23, he has achieved a lot, but there is more to come from this young man.

“We feel we play a brand of football that will allow Joe to flourish and develop further. He made it very clear that he wanted to play for Motherwell from the very start of this process, so I’m pleased we’re at this stage.”

Hodge’s own words underline that sense of intent.

“I’ve been so keen to get this done. Having watched Motherwell games last season and the games this season, I’ve been itching to get involved,” he said. “As a footballer, you want to play in football teams that you feel are best suited to your qualities, and I feel this group of coaches and players are a perfect match for me.”

While Motherwell secure their man, Celtic’s window looks ready to ignite.

Celtic close in on Baur talks as Hassan move looms

Celtic could finally be about to make their move for long-term target Mika Baur, with the 22-year-old reportedly granted permission to hold transfer talks.

German outlet Neue Westfalische has reported that newly promoted Bundesliga side Paderborn confirmed Baur had been given time off for discussions and missed training on Wednesday morning. That absence has sharpened the sense that a deal may now be within reach.

Celtic have tracked the attacking midfielder throughout the summer, with the transfer fee viewed as the main obstacle. Baur is entering the final year of his contract at Paderborn, whom he joined from Freiburg in 2024, a situation that naturally increases pressure on the German club to make a decision.

The Germany Under-21 international already boasts more than 60 league appearances for Freiburg’s second team from his teenage years and has passed 40 first-team outings for Paderborn. It is the kind of early mileage Celtic have often targeted in recent years: young, battle-tested, and still with room to grow.

The Glasgow club are also strongly tipped to land Real Oviedo and Egypt winger Haissem Hassan in the coming days. The 24-year-old, a former France youth international, caught the eye in the knockout stages of the World Cup and would add another direct, wide option to Celtic’s attack.

Motherwell have their midfield conductor in place. Celtic, it seems, are preparing to answer with an attacking reshuffle of their own.