Unconfirmed reports that Celtic have signed Efrain Juárez, the Mexican right back.
Was the first player booked in the World Cup and was subbed after 55 minutes in that South African game. Played the full 90 against France and was booked again so was suspended for the Uruguay match before returning for the Argentina match.
Details are sketchy enough and there seems to be a denial from his agent but Celtic Underground, who have sources within Celtic Park, have said it’s definite.
With Cha Du-Ri already signed, it looks like Hinkel could be away if this guy has really signed.
I confirmed the Ledley deal last week, Dunph, in yet another TFK exclusive. I’m now trying to establish what exactly Jimmy Bullard is demanding from Hull.
Artur Boruc, the Holy Goalie, was part of the Celtic party that flew from Glasgow to London this morning. However, he did not get on the subsequent flight from London to Philadelphia and has gone to complete his transfer to Fiorentina. So long, Artur – it has a pleasure.
My top 3 favourite Boruc moments:
The last minute penalty save versus Manchester United that sealed our place in the last 16 of the Champions League in November 2006.
His unveiling of his ‘God Bless The Pope’ T-Shirt after defeating the huns for the second time in 10 days in April 2008 as we came from way behind to steal the league.
His penalty save and subsequent celebration with all the squad and Tommy Burns after the shoot-out against Spartak Moscow in August 2007.
Oh Artur Boruc, the Holy Goalie,
He hates the huns.
I’m not too bothered if Jimmy Bullard signs or not. He’s on Stg£45k per week at Hull and they accepted that nobody was going to pay big money for a 31 year-old on a contract like that so were looking to do some deal to get as much as possible of his wage off their weekly bill. I believe the deal reached with Celtic was roughly that Hull would pay £25k a week and he’d also go into Celtic’s top pay bracket and get another £25k a week on top so he’d effectively be making another £5k a week. Apparently he had a meeting with Hull yesterday where he demanded his full £45k per week from them on top of what he would potentially be getting at Celtic so he’s basically looking for £70k a week overall. :lol:
Obviously there’s probably a loan fee involved in the deal Celtic and Hull thrashed out but the key point was that they’re in bad shape financially and need to slash their wage bill so his stance has scuppered things for the moment. Of course, he’s playing hard ball with them and trying to get the best deal for himself but he’s hardly being realistic. The problem is with himself and Hull though so the deal may be revisited if he reduces his demands. But, as I say, I’m not too pushed if he arrives or not. I think we need a striker more urgently.
I’m quite sad about Artur Boruc leaving. He was sensational for his first 3 years but became prone to mistakes in his last 2 seasons, started picking up niggly injuries and his personal life seemed to negatively impact his form. But there was a long period where his saves and general performances were genuinely spellbinding. I actually forgot to mention his display in Milan in the last 16 Champions League game in 2007. His save from Seedorf that night was probably the best I’ve ever seen.
