Motherwell have added Republic of Ireland midfielder Joe Hodge to their squad on a two-year deal from FC Tondela for an undisclosed fee, making him the club's eighth summer signing.
The 23-year-old arrives with a useful mix of experience. Last season, Hodge played 26 games in Portugal's top flight for FC Tondela, even as the club were relegated to the second tier. Before his move to Portugal, he had featured 13 times for Wolves and spent time on loan at Queens Park Rangers and Huddersfield, giving him experience in both the Premier League and the English Football League.
Why Motherwell moved for him
Motherwell have been looking for midfield options after the departures of Callum Slattery and Elliot Watt, and Hodge fits that need neatly. He gives Alfred Johansson another player who can step into the middle of the pitch and who has already been tested in different leagues and different squad environments.
Johansson described Hodge as an excellent footballer who fits the profile of the midfielder Motherwell want in the squad. He also pointed to the fact that Hodge has played against some of the best players in the world in the Premier League and has gained experience in both English and Portuguese football.
Hodge on the move
Hodge also sounded eager to get started at Fir Park. He said he had been watching Motherwell games last season and this season and had been itching to get involved. He added that the cohesion among the players is clear and that the group of coaches and players feels like a perfect match for his qualities.
The timing of the move is also notable. Hodge made his international debut in June, and at 23 there is still room for him to grow into a bigger role. For Motherwell, it is a signing that strengthens a position of need while bringing in a player who has already seen plenty of different levels of the game.
