Celtic appear to be closing in on a season-long loan deal for Chelsea youngster Landon Emenalo — and John Terry has already offered an intriguing insight into what the teenager could bring to the Hoops.
Landon Emenalo of Chelsea inspects the pitch prior to the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Chelsea FC and Legia Warszawa at Stamford Bridge on April 17, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Emenalo is yet to make his competitive senior debut, meaning the 18-year-old would arrive at Celtic as something of an unknown quantity.
However, Chelsea legend Terry, who works as a coaching consultant within the club’s academy, spoke highly of Emenalo last year and tipped him for a big future at Stamford Bridge.
Terry told Whatnot via Daily Record:“His dad (Michael) used to work at Chelsea.
“Landon is a very good footballer. I think he plays for the first-team and comes through.
“He can play left centre-half, he prefers to play in midfield as a six. A big future, a really good player.”
That versatility could be particularly interesting for Celtic, with Emenalo capable of operating in central defence and midfield despite recently featuring at left-back for Chelsea.
Under new boss Xabi Alonso, the youngster impressed in that position during two closed-door pre-season friendlies before earning a starting spot for their clash with Western Sydney Wanderers.
His technical ability and comfort in possession could make him well suited to a full-back role at Celtic, particularly given the club’s recent history of asking defenders to move into midfield areas.
Greg Taylor thrived in an inverted role after Ange Postecoglou introduced the system in 2021, while Celtic have been searching for another option to provide cover for Kieran Tierney.
It remains to be seen exactly where Celtic intend to use Emenalo should the loan move be completed, but Terry’s assessment suggests they would be getting a highly-rated and versatile youngster capable of offering Martin O’Neill several different options.
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