Celtic have been making inroads to keep hold of young talent at Lennoxtown, but some will still go on to take fresh challenges head-on away from the slopes of Parkhead.
In the summer, Celtic made several key Academy appointments as part of a wider effort to shake up their behind-the-scenes approach to development.
Darren O’Dea moved into a Professional Player Pathway Manager role. Meanwhile, Jonny Hayes and Adam Asghar took up new positions with the B Team and Under 18’s as part of the reshuffle.
In terms of being able to retain youngsters, Celtic lost Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly in the summer to Watford and Millwall, respectively, despite both players being offered a role in the first-team set-up.
Contrariwise, Francis Turley signed a four-year extension with the Bhoys and has since gone on to make his senior debut for the club, illustrating there may be a change in the water regarding talent retention.
Now, a former Celtic prospect has found his next club after being released during the summer months.
Justin Osagie joins Peterborough United on short-term contract
Justin Osagie has joined Peterborough United after a successful trial period and has put pen to paper on a deal for the remainder of the season.
The Republic of Ireland Under-19 international had previously been in West Ham United’s Academy set-up before moving to Celtic in 2022, where he made 21 appearances at B Team level.
Announcing his arrival, the English third-tier club noted on X: “We can confirm the arrival of teenage defender Justin Osagie on a short-term contract, with the former Celtic centre back initially joining the club’s Under 21 squad.”
After securing his move, the challenge for the 19-year-old will be showing he has the capability to be a first-team asset at the Weston Homes Stadium.
Darren Ferguson speaks out after arrival of Justin Osagie
Addressing the arrival of the former Celtic man, Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson stated [Peterborough FC]: “Our recruitment team were aware of Justin and have been for a number of years. He was a kid at West Ham United, he moved up to Celtic and was released at the end of the season.
“Obviously Celtic is a different level to us. He has come in to train with us and he has done very well, extremely impressive.
“I feel that, even though it was not a position we were looking at as we have Ollie Rose and Jenson Sumnall of the younger centre backs, it was a case of we must sign the boy because he is a talented kid.
“He will come into the Under 21s, but he will be training with the first team a lot. He is quick, aggressive, very good on the ball, lovely attitude and really keen on signing, which I think is because of the pathway we have up to the first team. I am looking forward to working with him, I think he will do well for us.”
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