Celtic’s interest in Aurele Amenda remains live, with Eintracht Frankfurt leaving the door open to movement before the window shuts. Their sporting director has spoken publicly on transfers.
The Switzerland international was an unused substitute in Frankfurt’s 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen on Friday night, another reminder that his minutes are not where he needs them to be at this stage of the season.
Amenda, 22, is aware of what’s at stake. Switzerland head to the World Cup this summer and the 6ft 6in defender knows he needs regular football if he is to force his way into that squad.
It’s understood Amenda is open to a loan move and Celtic are among the clubs monitoring the situation closely. It’s been reported by the Herald’s Stephen McGowan that the Hoops are interested in bringing Amenda to Glasgow.
From Frankfurt’s side, there is no rush to weaken the squad without cover. German outlet Bild reports the Bundesliga club want a replacement lined up before sanctioning any exit.
That stance was reflected in comments from Frankfurt sporting director, Markus Krösche, when asked about potential outgoing business. He said (RecordSport):
“Further transfers? I won’t say absolutely now or rule out the possibility that certain things might happen. We’ll see.”
It is non-committal, but it is not a shutdown either. Frankfurt are clearly open to possibilities if the conditions suit them.
From a Celtic perspective, the logic is straightforward. The club need defensive depth and physical presence, particularly with the potential demands of more European fixtures and the Premiership title fight.
Amenda fits the profile Celtic have increasingly looked at. Young, athletic, with upside, and at a point in his career where minutes matter more than comfort.
A loan move would lower the risk. It would also give Celtic a closer look at whether he can handle the tempo, pressure, and expectation that come with playing for the Premiership champions.
For the player, the attraction is obvious. Regular starts at Celtic Park, week in week out, would put him firmly back in the international picture. Performances in Glasgow tend to travel quickly when national managers are watching.
There is also the question of timing. Frankfurt’s need for a replacement suggests any deal may not be immediate, but the fact that Amenda is already on the periphery makes the situation fluid.
Celtic will be watching closely. If Frankfurt move for cover, the path for Amenda to Glasgow could open quickly.
Elsewhere, Czech striker Tomas Cvancara is nearing a move to the Hoops. He’s set to join on a loan deal with an option to buy – last night he posted a photo on a flight, with a medical due in Glasgow today (Wednesday January 21).
