Mark Walker

Marcelo Saracchi said he greatly enjoyed his loan spell at Celtic but believes sharing the left-back position, particularly with Kieran Tierney, restricted him to eight league starts and contributed to his omission from Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay World Cup squad. The defender, who recently joined Houston Dynamo after helping Celtic secure a domestic double, said Bielsa cited his limited playing time when informing him of the decision. Saracchi remains determined to return to the Uruguay national team.

Sturm Graz overwhelmed Hearts with a dominant second‑half surge, scoring three goals in nine minutes to take a commanding 4–0 lead in their Champions League qualifier. Jurgen Heil and Luca Weinhandl credited halftime adjustments and home support for shifting control decisively in Austria. Hearts now face an almost impossible task to progress and are likely to drop into a Europa League clash with Benfica unless they overturn the deficit at Tynecastle.

Rangers will face Polish champions Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa League third qualifying round, with the first leg in Bialystok on August 6 and the return at Ibrox on August 13. The article profiles Jagiellonia, covering their recent successes, key players including ex-Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi, and manager Adrian Siemieniec. It also highlights logistical details for travelling fans, including flight options, ticket prices, and local costs in Bialystok.

Belgium midfielder Nico Raskin is attracting Premier League and Serie A interest after standout World Cup performances, earning praise from former coaches and fellow players who highlight his versatility, discipline and importance to the national team. Analysts describe him as a key figure capable of succeeding at any top club, with several European sides monitoring his potential transfer.

Hellas Verona have set a £13 million asking price for striker Kieron Bowie to deter interest from Serie A clubs including Bologna, Cagliari and Sassuolo after their relegation to Serie B. Manager Marco Baroni has urged the club not to sell the Scotland international, whose value has risen since his £5.5 million arrival in January following goals against top Italian sides. Celtic are also linked as Verona hope the high valuation will prevent a summer departure.

Celtic are pursuing Qarabag winger Camilo Duran, whose mentor describes him as resilient and rapidly improving after a challenging upbringing and varied career across South America and Europe. Qarabag are reportedly holding out for around £3 million. Former Independiente Medellin coach Sebastian Botero details Duran’s development and adaptability, crediting his maturity and performances in Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Swedish side Orgryte confirm interest in defender Michael Parker, who has impressed despite his club’s struggles, though no offers have been confirmed.

Danny Rohl explained his decision to leave Rangers for Red Bull Salzburg, citing the Austrian club’s clear structure, strong leadership and defined identity. He contrasted this with challenges at Rangers and highlighted the positive influence of sporting director Marcus Mann and a helpful conversation with Jurgen Klopp. Rohl said Salzburg’s unified approach and focus on developing young talent aligned with his ambitions, while also reflecting on the emotional intensity of working in Scotland. He aims to restore success at Salzburg and meet the expectations built during the club’s long period of domestic dominance.

Celtic are pursuing Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas as they search for a replacement for the retired Kasper Schmeichel, though competition from Olympiacos and Sevilla is reported. Las Palmas value Horkas at around £6 million, and club president Miguel Angel Ramírez criticised approaches made without contacting the club. Daizen Maeda highlighted his World Cup performance after setting a new tournament record with 78 sprints against Brazil, stating his focus was on pressing to support the team as he considers his future following a successful season with Celtic.

Celtic are pursuing Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, who is expected to decide his future soon amid interest from Wolfsburg and Ajax, while Hertha officials acknowledge strong demand but hope he stays. Daizen Maeda reflected proudly yet apologetically on Japan’s World Cup exit to Brazil, praising fans and acknowledging the team’s need for further progress.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst gave his Europa League runners-up medal to the family of late Rangers kitman Jimmy Bell, an act highlighted by former coach Roy Makaay as an example of his character. The former Rangers manager, now returning to Feyenoord, is praised for empathy and loyalty as he prepares to lead the Dutch club through a challenging period.