Emenalo deal asks more questions of Celtic’s strange Sarrachi decision | OneFootball

Celtic on the verge of sealing a loan deal for teenage Chelsea left-back Landon Emenalo…

Landon Emenalo of Chelsea FC runs with the ball during the Sydney Super Cup match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Accor Stadium on July 28, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The 18 year old is highly regarded in West London, although he’s yet to make a competitive appearance for the London club. Signing for Celtic will be a big career development for the youngster who is likely to feature in first team, after being pinpointed as the player to act as cover for Kieran Tierney.

We all hope that Emenalo can make a good impression at Celtic, but for me the impending signing of the youngster raises more question over the club’s failure to sign Marcelo Saracchi on a permanent deal.

The Uruguayan international proved to be a popular player during his season long loan at the club, and despite missing a few months through injury, he made a vital contribution to our double success. He was far from being one of the top earners at the club and was absolutely desperate to come back after his brilliant contribution last season.

Despite declaring his intention of staying in Glasgow on a permanent basis, and manager Martin O’Neill stating his admiration for the player, a deal was not concluded, much to the supporters’ dismay.

After many weeks of speculation, the Uruguayan closed the door on a dream Celtic return when he signed for MLS side Houston Dynamo for a reported £800,000, with Boca Juniors retaining 40% of the sell-on fee.

The Celtic hierarchy for once can be applauded for splashing the cash, after bringing in players of great quality in Camilo Duran, Kasper Hogh, Haissem Hassan, and Miko Baur, but that doesn’t mean we can’t question the failure to conclude a permanent deal for a player who was not only a proven quality player, but one who was affordable.

With Kieran Tierney our only tried and tested option at left back, having a tried and tested player such as Marcelo Saracchi would have been a major boost to our squad, with a long gruelling campaign ahead, both at home and in Europe.

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)

No harm to Landon Emenalo, but Marcelo Saracchi was the player we all wanted to see provide competition and cover for Kieran Tierney, who incidentally has been outstanding in the two opening games of the season.

Marcelo Saracchi to Houston Dynamo is  confirmed with his shirt number as 4. Welcome Marcelo Saracchi!

There must be more than meets the eye on the Marcelo Saracchi situation and we’re unlikely to find out the exact ins and outs. However we’ll all wish the little madman all the best at his new club.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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