Dundee have joined Morecambe in the hunt to loan Celtic defender Osaze Urhoghide, according to a report.
The Sun report that Urhoghide is wanted by Dundee manager James McPake, after the defender’s name came up during conversations between the Dens Park side and Celtic. Of course, negotiations over Leigh Griffiths, who hasn’t made a mark for Dundee on loan, are ongoing.
Yesterday, EFL League One side Morecambe emerged as suitors for Urhoghide. The Shrimps, managed by ex-Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson, are keen to add to their defensive ranks, after a difficult first half of the season.
And the same can be said of Dundee. The Taysiders have the worst defence in the Scottish Premiership, having conceded 37 goals in 20 games [BBC].
10 of those were from Celtic alone.
Much like at Morecambe, Urhoghide would be in a relegation battle. Whether he feels better served in that scenario in Scotland, or in England’s third tier, is his choice to make. There are certainly examples of Celtic players coming back from the lower end of the Scottish Premiership re-energised, focus and – generally – a much better player.
Urhoghide’s only appearance this season came against Real Betis in the Europa League. He was excellent, showing his ability to maraud forward, as well as recovering the ball and making well-timed last-ditch challenges.
Dundee after Celtic defender Osaze Urhoghide
Now, would any move be complicated by the Leigh Griffiths situation? It’s impossible to know but as that rigmarole rumbles on, it’s interesting that Dundee want Celtic defender Urhoghide thrown into the mix.
Celtic want to loan him out; that much has become clear. And it’d be a good idea, too; he needs game-time to develop and reach his potential. But it’s hard to envision a scenario where Urhoghide is used in some way to alleviate the Griffiths problem.
Dundee chose to take him on loan, after all.
That’s what makes a potential Dundee move a bit messy. For my money, Morecambe will win this race unless a different Scottish Premiership emerge for Urhoghide.
Either way, the Celtic defender has some decent options. And Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou will be trying to ensure he gets Urhoghide in the best situation possible for his development. He’s a determined, talented and mentally robust young man, so he’ll understand his role in the Celtic squad entirely.
It’s definitely one to keep an eye on. While his fellow former Sheffield Wednesday teammate Liam Shaw is already out on loan, Urhoghide’s immediate future looks more uncertain.
Read more: Reporting on Celtic target Riley McGree takes a dramatic u-turn
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