Motherwell Signs Joe Hodge from Tondela
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 highly at Manchester City and Wolves, arrives with a varied football education already behind him. He made 13 appearances for Wolves, picked up loan experience at QPR and Huddersfield, then tested himself in the Portuguese top flight with Tondela last season.
Born in Manchester and developed in City’s academy, Hodge chose the Republic of Ireland pathway early and climbed through the youth ranks before winning his first senior cap against Canada in June. That international breakthrough now feeds into a fresh club challenge in Scotland.
Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson made it clear Hodge is central to his plans.
“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 carried the urgency of a player desperate 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.
“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 have their man, Celtic look ready to accelerate their own business.
Celtic eye Baur as talks open
Long-term target Mika Baur appears closer than ever to a move after reports in Germany stated the attacking midfielder has been granted permission to hold transfer talks.
Neue Westfaliche reported that newly promoted Bundesliga side Paderborn confirmed the 22-year-old had been given time off for discussions and missed training on Wednesday morning. That absence has only fuelled the sense that a deal could be edging nearer.
Celtic have tracked Baur throughout the summer. Until now, the transfer fee has been viewed as the main obstacle, with the player entering the final year of his contract at Paderborn, whom he joined from Freiburg in 2024.
Despite his age, Baur’s CV is already substantial. He racked up more than 60 league appearances for Freiburg’s second team as a teenager and has passed the 40-game mark for Paderborn’s first team, sharpening his reputation as a creative threat and a player with room to grow.
Hassan next in line?
Celtic’s recruitment drive may 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, a former France youth international who now represents Egypt, caught the eye with his performances in the knockout stages of the World Cup. Those displays pushed him firmly onto the radar of clubs looking for wide players with pace and end product.
Motherwell have already made their move. Celtic look poised to follow. The window is still open, and the Scottish game is bracing for another late surge of attacking talent.
