Celtic Defensive Target to Have a Medical for Qatari Club

Celtic’s plans to bolster their defensive lineup have taken a hit as target Lyanco was spotted landing in Qatar for a medical with Al-Gharafa.

The club, currently in fourth place in the Qatar Stars League, had been linked with the Brazilian centre-back before news of the move was officially broken by RecordSport on Friday night.

With defensive players like Carter-Vickers and Nawrocki out until November and Stephen Welsh sidelined for the next four months, the Hoops are in dire need of reinforcements in the backline.

Liam Scales stepped in as centre-back in the recent game against St Johnstone but failed to impress, casting doubts over his suitability for a starting role, especially in Champions League competitions.

While Lyanco’s move to Qatar might be a setback, Celtic is expected to have other defensive targets in their sights. With only five days remaining until the transfer window closes, it’s set to be a busy period for the club as they look to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.

 

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Luis Palma Celtic transfer imminent as Aris boss confirms star man’s exit

Honduras international Palma, 23, is expected to put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Scottish champions

Aris manager Apostolos Terzis has confirmed his star man Luis Palma is on the verge of joining Celtic.

Palma is expected to be announced as the Hoops’ seventh summer signing over the next 48 hours after the winger flew to Glasgow to complete his £3.5million move. And the 23-year-old attacker has been pencilled in to make his debut in Sunday’s Glasgow derby with Rangers at Ibrox.

Palma will be one of several new faces arriving at Celtic Park this week as Brendan Rodgers works against the clock to boost his injury-ravaged squad. Celts have drawn blanks in their last two matches against St Johnstone and Kilmarnock but Aris boss Terzis has told the Scottish champions they are getting a player who has been responsible for most of the Greek side’s goals this season.

He said: “Luis Palma has been involved in almost every goal we have scored so far this season so of course he will be a big loss. But I believe I have players in the squad who can step up and make up for his absence.

“I want to wish him the best of luck with his new club, Celtic. He worked so hard for our team and Aris also helped him a lot to develop.”