Johnny Kenny to Celtic looks like being finalised over the course of today, and the Irish Independent has provided further details on the actual clauses involved.
As we know, the Hoops will secure the talent for just €150k [£125.5k] [Irish Independent]. However, the newspaper has provided even more details of the agreement as Sligo Rovers managed to insert some more clauses.
According to the report, Celtic will have to pay yet another 6-figure sum when Kenny has made a certain number of first-team appearances.
In addition to that, Sligo have managed to insert a sell-on percentage of between 10% and 15%. Should Kenny make an impact at Parkhead and one day leave for big money, this has the potential to be a major windfall for the League of Ireland club.
As for the reason for such a low fee, the Irish Independent claim that Celtic triggered a release clause in the player’s contract to make the deal happen. Sligo were initially fearful that they would only bag a flat £125k sum. However, Celtic left the door open for negotiations surrounding alternative clauses.
It’s stated that Celtic have been tracking the player for a number of months. Lengthy conversations have taken place regarding the deal, and it finally looks as though agreements have been struck.
Celtic show good faith to Sligo Rovers in Johnny Kenny deal
It’s clear that Celtic were under no obligation to listen to potential extra clauses in the move for Johnny Kenny. With a flat out release clause in his contract, the Hoops could’ve nabbed him for the nominal fee.
It looks at face value as if the Hoops have instead moved to show some good faith in this agreement. They’ve promised Sligo a sell-on fee that could do absolute wonders for them in the future. Not to mention the extra 6-figure sum that will come their way if Kenny is successful here.
It’s good stuff, and for the Celtic support, it’s exciting to see another top Irish talent make the move to Parkhead after building up his reputation in his homeland.
How long it takes Kenny to realise his potential in Glasgow of course is anyone’s guess. It’s going to take a period of adaption for him given the step-up he’s taking. Not to mention the fact that he likely won’t even be competing for first-team football in the near future.
This looks like a move that’s being made for the long-term. At only 18, he’s 5 years younger than fellow League of Ireland recruit Liam Scales. He has a lot more time to get himself first-team ready at Celtic.
Kenny will arrive having just come off an 11-goal campaign in Ireland. The under-19 international is primarily a centre-forward, with competition now becoming heavy at the top end of the pitch at Celtic Park.
In other news, Celtic and others have been completely vindicated after rivals embarrassed themselves
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