Celtic open Chelsea talks as surprise transfer move takes shape

13 Aug 2026 10:04 BST | 3 min read

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

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Celtic have opened talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign left-back Landon Emenalo.

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Emenalo was in Glasgow on Wednesday to speak to the Hoops over a transfer, according to Sky Sports.

The Herald reports that the Parkhead outfit are closing in on a one-year temporary deal, with Sky Sports ultimately agreeing that the agreement will be in the form of a loan.

Emenalo was spotted at Celtic’s Lennoxtown training ground on Wednesday, suggesting the move is close.

He is seen as an important addition at Celtic because of a lack of cover for left-back Kieran Tierney.

The former Arsenal man has been notoriously injury-prone throughout his career and will have his minutes managed by manager Martin O’Neill. Currently, Celtic have no natural alternative for the Scotland international in their squad.

Emenalo to Celtic: Expert analysis

FootballTransfers’ Cameron Smith is confident a loan deal will be a win for all parties, with the forward-thinking defender having grown out of Chelsea’s academy structure in recent months.

“Emenalo, the son of former Chelsea director of football Michael, is naturally a central midfielder, but he has typically been deployed as a defender over the past 12 months and he has grown into an excellent left-back,” he explains.

“This route has been followed by many talented Englishmen in recent years - such as Myles Lewis-Skelly, Nico O’Reilly and Lewis Hall - and Emenalo looks set for a strong career as a full-back.

“An England U19 international, Emenalo is extremely comfortable in possession, he is excellent at progressing the ball via carries from deep, he is a strong one-vs-one defender out wide, and his versatility could prove to be a useful attribute under Martin O’Neill.

“Speaking ahead of pre-season, the 18-year-old admitted that he had ‘played enough academy football for a lifetime’ and after impressing new boss Xabi Alonso so far this summer, it’s no surprise that Chelsea have been eager to finalise a loan move.

“On face value, Celtic looks like a great destination, too. Of course, Emenalo will face significant competition from Kieran Tierney, but the Scotland star needs to be managed given his injury record, and the Chelsea youngster should therefore receive plenty of game time for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.”

Celtic's transfer window picking up pace

After a slow start to the summer transfer window, Celtic's business has accelerated dramatically in recent weeks.

Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh have both been integrated into the squad following July deals, while Egypt international winger Haiseem Hassan has arrived from Spanish side Real Oviedo.

Emenalo is set to be the fourth new face in Martin O'Neill's squad this summer, while the Chelsea teenager will be the first loan signing they have made and also the first defensive addition.