Motherwell Sign Ireland Midfielder Joe Hodge from Tondela

Motherwell have dipped into the Portuguese market to land Republic of Ireland midfielder Joe Hodge from Tondela, sealing a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee as Alfred Johansson continues to reshape his squad.

The 23-year-old, capped by Ireland against Canada in June, arrives with a quietly impressive CV for a player still at the start of his career. Raised in Manchester City’s academy in his home city, Hodge moved to Wolves, made 13 first-team appearances there and picked up Premier League minutes before loan spells at QPR and Huddersfield sharpened him in the Championship.

Last season he stepped out of his comfort zone entirely, heading to the Portuguese top flight with Tondela. Now he is back in the British game and ready to drop straight into the intensity of Scottish football.

Johansson made it clear this is a signing built on both profile and personality.

“Joe is an excellent footballer who fits the profile for the type of midfielder we want in our squad,” the Motherwell manager told the club’s website, stressing Hodge’s exposure to elite opponents. “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.”

That desire to come to Fir Park has been echoed by the player himself. Hodge has not been short of football in recent years, but he has clearly been eyeing this move for some time.

“I’ve been so keen to get this done,” he said. “Having watched Motherwell games last season and the games this season, I’ve been itching to get involved.

“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.”

A technically tidy midfielder with the engine to press and the courage to take the ball in tight areas, Hodge now has the platform to turn potential into a consistent top-flight career. Motherwell, in turn, gain a player with Premier League and international experience just as their season begins to take shape.

Celtic’s window ready to ignite with Baur and Hassan moves

Across the divide, Celtic’s transfer window looks set to spark into life. Long-term target Mika Baur has reportedly been granted permission to hold talks over a move, a significant shift after weeks of stalemate over a fee.

German outlet Neue Westfalische 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 cranked up the noise around a player Celtic have tracked throughout the summer.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is entering the final year of his contract with Paderborn, who signed him from Freiburg in 2024. His numbers tell the story of a rapid rise: more than 60 league appearances for Freiburg’s second team as a teenager, followed by over 40 first-team outings for Paderborn.

With his deal running down, the transfer fee has been the main obstacle. Now, with talks under way, Celtic appear closer than ever to finally getting their man.

Baur may not be the only attacking reinforcement. Celtic have also been strongly tipped to sign Egypt and Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan in the coming days.

The 24-year-old, a former France youth international who now represents Egypt, caught the eye in the knockout stages of the World Cup, and his form there has pushed him firmly onto major clubs’ radars. A move to Glasgow would add another direct, creative wide option to a squad already stacked with attacking talent.

Motherwell have their midfielder through the door. Celtic’s deals are still in motion. As the clock ticks down on the window, the question now is how much these moves will reshape the balance of power once the season hits full speed.