Celtic fend off English Premier League interest to reverse concerning trend

By John McGinley

January 17, 2023

Celtic today announced that youngster Matthew Anderson has extended his contract at the Bhoys to the summer of 2025.

Anderson is very highly regarded within the B team set-up at Celtic and is one of a clutch of players earmarked for a potential push into the first team over the next couple of years.

Indeed, other clubs have been vying for the young defender’s services as he made his way through the Celtic set-up.

Last season it was reported that Leeds United had made a number of bids to sign him, which were rejected by the Bhoys.

In recent years, it has been difficult for Celtic to compete with clubs in bigger leagues when they come calling for young talents with potential future stars such as Ben Doak, Liam Morrison and Josh Adam all moving on to elite academy set-ups amongst others.

Tying Anderson down to this contract is a nice sign that the club are starting to fix some of the issues around supporting these academy prospects. The young left-back clearly feels comfortable with his position at the club.

Speaking today, Anderson said [Celtic FC]: “I’m delighted to have signed the new contract. I know I’m in the right place for me and my development, so I’m happy.

“I’m hoping to make my debut at some point, so I’ll just keep working hard and be ready when the time comes.”

It comes after another Celtic youngster, Rocco Vata, made some headway in the senior set-up after being included on training trips to Australia and Portugal.

He made his first-team debut away to Hibernian last month and has been regularly training with the squad at Lennoxtown. Fingers crossed we see similar opportunities for Anderson over the coming year.

In other news, Celtic transfer latest: Nothing imminent in or out despite rush of reports.