Journalist Stephen McGowan has reported that Celtic have been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurèle Amenda as the January window develops. [The Herald]
The report places the Swiss international among the names being considered as Celtic look to strengthen at the back. It comes at a time when minutes and availability are shaping decisions for many players across Europe.
Amenda is a 22-year-old centre-back currently playing in the Bundesliga. Standing at 6ft 4, he offers a physical profile that stands out straight away. His height and reach are key parts of his game, particularly in aerial situations.
The defender joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Young Boys in January 2024. He signed a long-term contract that runs until the summer of 2029, which gives the German club control over his future. Frankfurt paid close to £8 million for him, underlining how highly he was rated at the time.
Celtic are not alone in tracking his situation, with interest also coming from clubs in Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Teams such as Mainz, Lorient, Nice and Torino are all monitoring him, while Valencia are also in the mix as they battle near the foot of La Liga.
Despite that investment, game time has been limited. Across this season and last, Amenda has made 25 appearances for Frankfurt in all competitions. In the Bundesliga alone, he has played 16 matches, many of them from the bench.
This season tells a similar story. He has featured eight times in the league, totalling just over 330 minutes, which is fewer than four full matches. He has also played in the Champions League, but again without a sustained run in the side.
Injuries have played a part, but they do not explain everything. Amenda missed time last season with a syndesmosis ligament injury that kept him out for around two months. He also had a hamstring issue the season before, though that came during a quieter period and cost him little match action.
Overall, his injury record is not seen as severe. The number of games missed is relatively low when spread across two seasons. Selection and competition for places have been the main barriers to regular football.
That lack of minutes matters more now because of his international status. Amenda has broken into the Switzerland senior squad and has four caps to his name. With major tournaments ahead, staying on the bench is not ideal for a young defender trying to hold his place.
Reports in Germany and Switzerland have suggested that he is open to a move this month. The aim would be simple: play more often and build rhythm. A loan has been discussed as the most likely option rather than a permanent exit.
Celtic’s interest fits that picture. The club have been active in looking at defensive options and value players who can step in quickly. Amenda’s age, size, and experience in European competition make him an attractive profile on paper.
His background at Young Boys shows what he can offer with regular football. He played over 1,800 league minutes in his final season there and featured in European matches. That period remains the clearest example of his level when trusted.
There is also the question of value. His current market valuation sits around €6 million, which reflects both his potential and his lack of consistent minutes in Germany. A loan would allow another club to access that quality without a large upfront cost.
As things stand, Celtic are one of several clubs monitoring the situation. No agreement has been confirmed, and competition is expected. What is clear is that Amenda’s situation is moving, driven by minutes rather than money.
If a deal were to progress, it would likely come late in the window. Much depends on Frankfurt’s squad needs and whether they feel comfortable letting him go, even temporarily. For Celtic, the link shows the type of defender being looked at as January reaches its final stretch.
