Motherwell Sign Joe Hodge as Celtic Eye Baur and Hassan

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, once tipped as a long-term prospect at Manchester City, arrives with a CV that already spans England, Portugal and the international stage. Raised in City's academy in his home city, Hodge later joined Wolves, making 13 first-team appearances and gaining further experience on loan at QPR and Huddersfield before heading to the Portuguese top flight for a season with Tondela.

His progress has been mirrored on the international scene. Having represented the Republic of Ireland through the age groups, he made his senior debut against Canada in June, a significant step for a player still in the early stages of his career.

Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson believes the club have secured a midfielder tailor-made for his system.

"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, for his part, sounds impatient to get started.

"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 add steel and craft in midfield, Celtic are positioning themselves for a late surge in the window that could reshape their attacking options.

Celtic closing in on Baur talks

Long-term target Mika Baur has reportedly been granted permission to hold transfer talks, a development that could finally unlock a move that has simmered all summer.

German outlet Neue Westfalische reports that newly promoted Bundesliga side Paderborn have confirmed the 22-year-old was given time off for discussions and missed training on Wednesday morning. It is a clear sign that negotiations are now active, with Celtic among the clubs credited with strong interest.

The attacking midfielder is entering the final year of his contract at Paderborn, who signed him from Freiburg in 2024. That contract situation has kept the fee at the heart of the discussions, with the price tag viewed as the main obstacle to any deal.

Baur arrives on Celtic’s radar with serious mileage already on the clock. He made more than 60 league appearances for Freiburg’s second team as a teenager, then stepped up to log over 40 first-team games for Paderborn, building a reputation that has also earned him recognition with Germany’s Under-21 side.

Hassan also on Celtic’s radar

Celtic’s recruitment drive does not stop there. The club have also been strongly tipped to sign Egypt and Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan in the coming days.

The 24-year-old, who previously represented France at youth level, has caught the eye with his performances and particularly impressed in the knockout stages of the World Cup. That combination of international pedigree and club experience makes him an attractive option for a Celtic side looking to add directness and unpredictability out wide.

Motherwell have their man in Hodge. Celtic, by contrast, stand on the brink of what could be a significant attacking refresh. The next few days will show whether Baur and Hassan are simply long-chased targets or the players who redefine their season.