There is no truth in reports linking Calem Nieuwenhof with a move to Ange Postecoglou’s Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, Western Sydney Wanderers coach Marko Rudan tells The West Australia.
While Postecoglou has made excellent use of those Japanese connections since taking over from Neil Lennon in 2021, it’s perhaps a slight surprise that the former Socceroos boss is yet to dip his toe into another market he knows well.
Aaron Mooy, the veteran playmaker, is the only Australian currently in Postecoglou’s squad.
Some have suggested that 21-year-old Nieuwenhof could join the in-form Mooy at Parkhead on the back of an impressive campaign with Western Sydney Wanderers, but Rudan insists that those rumours are wide of the mark.
Calem Nieuwenhof will not be joining Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic
“I made a joke to Calem about it in front of the players,” Rudan smiles. “It’s the first me, Calem or Ange had heard about it.
“You’re always going to get that (rumours). He’s a player I trust, and he’s been one of the standouts in the league. It’s welcome, good news (that he’s being linked with Celtic). Albeit, in this case, it is false.
“It’s great for people in the pub to have a chat about. He’s the kind of guy who’ll keep his feet planted and continue to try to improve.”
Nieuwenhof, a dynamic central midfielder, has impressed since joining the Wanderers from local rivals Sydney FC last summer.
“Probably my biggest strength, I’d have to say, would be (playing) in tight areas,” explains Nieuwenhof, highlighting the style that would have helped him fit in nicely at Celtic.
“My technique is also probably where I feel more comfortable’ dribbling, linking up with players. Also in defence, I like helping out the boys and making big tackles.”
A striker, rather than a midfielder, appears to be Celtic’s top priority over the final week-and-a-half of the transfer window, as Giorgios Giakoumakis’ future remains uncertain. Red-hot Hibernian poacher Kevin Nisbet is the latest to be mentioned in conjunction with the Premiership leaders.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
