Celtic youngster Osaze Urhoghide is set to leave Parkhead for KV Oostende on loan, the Scotsman reports.
The newspaper claims that the deal will be announced imminently, with the transfer window set to close on deadline-day. It comes after a prolonged period of speculation regarding where the Dutch youngster would end up.
The Scotsman report that Celtic have rebuffed interest to take the player permanently. Instead, the Hoops want him to develop elsewhere on loan and will be tracking his progress in Belgium.
Urhoghide has only made 1 appearance for the club this season – a Europa League dead-rubber against Real Betis.
However, Ange Postecoglou has already bigged up the talent in the past. Speaking after he signed for the club in the summer, the manager stated that Urhoghide has all of the attributes to be a “top player” [Celtic FC].
The youngster had previously been a regular with Sheffield Wednesday before his Parkhead summer move. Overall, Urhoghide has 22 senior appearances to his name [Transfermarkt].
Osaze Urhoghide set for temporary Celtic exit, couldn’t have asked for a better move
As we still await this one to be announced, you can never be too certain about anything in football. However, this move looks like a potentially huge one for Urhoghide’s career.
Not because is position at Celtic will be under threat if he fails to make an impact in Belgium. Far from it. Urhoghide is on a long-term contract, and at 21, he still has a long way to go in his development process.
But it also isn’t unfair to state that 22 senior games at the age of 21 isn’t particularly ideal. Urhoghide would’ve hoped for more first-team exposure this season at Parkhead. Ange Postecoglou, of course, clearly believes that he has another level or 2 to reach before he can rely on him.
But Urhoghide showed plenty of promising traits in that entertaining 3-2 win over Betis last month. He was dominant in the air and powerful in the challenge. Not to mention he was happy to maraud forward and offer a physical attacking threat.
In the end, Celtic’s backline has just been too strong this season for Osaze to force his way into it permanently. But a move to KV Oostende in Belgium? That sounds a lot more exciting than a switch to Dens Park with James McPake’s Dundee, with all due respect.
It’s the kind of move that can really bolster Urhoghide’s career, much like it did for Jack Hendry. Hopefully, we see some strong development in the Dutch youngster should this move come off.
In other news, Swiss Report: Celtic striker Albian Ajeti likely too pricy for Basel move
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