Celtic defender Osaze Urhoghide and his Dutch passport have opened some loan doors in Europe, according to a report.
The Scotsman understand that Serie A side Verona, and Belgian top-flight outfit KV Oostende, are keen to bring Urhoghide in on a half-season loan.
KV Oostende of course, are the club who revitalised Jack Hendry’s stuttering career. The Brendan Rodgers signing turned from a forgotten man at Celtic to a Scotland international. He’s now at Club Brugge, where he’s played Champions League football.
There are bigger plans in mind for Osaze Urhoghide at Celtic, though. The former Sheffield Wednesday man has been linked to Dundee and Morecambe in recent weeks. However, a spell in Serie A or the Jupiler Pro League are undoubtedly more attractive propositions.
Verona currently sit 9th in the Italian top-flight, but they’re leaking goals. With 38 conceded, they have one of the more porous defences in Serie A [Sky Sports].
KV Oostende, meanwhile, have conceded 45 goals, sitting a lowly 15th in the Jupiler Pro League.
According to the report, the European duo are “leading the race” for Urhoghide. A spell in a top league like Serie A, or retreading the path Jack Hendry took, could be a really formative experience for the youngster.
Two more exciting options reportedly pop up for Celtic youngster Osaze Urhoghide
With no disrespect to the City of Discovery or whatever Morecambe’s nickname is, if this report holds weight then surely it’s exciting for Osaze Urhoghide.
We often forget this, but an appearance for Celtic in a top competition like the Europa League is essentially an advert, sometimes. Clubs knowing Osaze Urhoghide is available, while citing his display against Real Betis, are right to be interested.
There’s talent there. But with the options ahead of him at Celtic, Urhoghide needs minutes. Just like his former teammate at Sheffield Wednesday, Liam Shaw.
Now, these are two esoteric options. KV Oostende are a more familiar name to Celtic fans, via Jack Hendry, but Verona is also a really interesting shout. They’re a top-half Serie A side, after all. If Urhoghide went there and performed well, his confidence would surely be through the roof.
Oostende aren’t faring quite so well this season. However, if Urhoghide helped to address their defensive deficiencies, it’d be an impressive entry on his CV.
Both are good options for him. The chance to learn from a new footballing culture, experience new cities and bring that culture back to Celtic is surely one he can’t pass up. That is, if interest from either club comes to pass.
Certainly, Urhoghide appears to have options. As well he should, given the potential that’s very obviously there.
Read more: Ange gives top response to question about Celtic returning to Tynecastle
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