The January transfer window is heating up, and the latest name being whispered around Parkhead is Swiss powerhouse Aurèle Amenda. With Martin O’Neill looking to steady the ship during his interim spell, reports from Germany suggest Celtic are ready to test Eintracht Frankfurt’s resolve with a loan bid for the 22-year-old centre-back.
The Situation: A Wantaway Star in Frankfurt
Amenda arrived in the Bundesliga from Young Boys for a cool €9.5m, but his time in Germany has been more “bench-warmer” than “Bundesliga star.” Sidelined behind the likes of Robin Koch and Arthur Theate, Amenda has managed only 12 appearances this season. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the Swiss international is reportedly desperate for minutes to secure his place in Murat Yakin’s squad. He has allegedly handed in a transfer request, and Ibrox-bound rivals Rangers have already dipped into the Bundesliga market, adding more pressure on the Celtic board to act.
Why Martin O’Neill Needs Him Now
It’s no secret that Celtic are down to the bare bones at the back. The loss of Cameron Carter-Vickers to a season-ending Achilles injury has left a massive hole in the heart of the defence. While Auston Trusty and Liam Scales have stepped in, their lack of pace and occasional lapses in high-pressure games have been exposed.
Amenda brings exactly what the “Little General” O’Neill loves in a defender:
- Physical Presence: Standing at 194cm, he’s an aerial specialist.
- Recovery Pace: Unlike the current options, Amenda has the wheels to cover for an attacking high line.
- Ball Progression: He’s known for his 83% passing accuracy, something Celtic have missed since CCV went down.
The Barrier: Frankfurt Holding Firm?
Despite the player’s desire to leave, Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche is reportedly hesitant. Celtic have yet to submit a formal offer, but Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg indicates the Hoops are “preparing the paperwork.” With interest also coming from Torino and OGC Nice, Celtic cannot afford to dither as they did in previous windows.
The Verdict: If Celtic can pull this off, it’s a masterstroke. Amenda is a high-ceiling talent who needs a platform, and Parkhead is the perfect stage. But what do you think? Is a loan deal enough, or should we be looking for a permanent fix? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
