Chelsea announce signing of defender released by Celtic a year ago

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Celtic’s B team has struggled to produce first team players for the Hoops.

Since coming into existence in the Lowland League in 2021, it hasn’t led to an upturn in young players being given opportunities by Ange Postecoglou or Brendan Rodgers.

19-year-old Colby Donovan impressed on his European debut for the Hoops last month, and should he establish himself in the first team, he would be the first to do so after being a regular for the B team.

This wasn’t the case for Ben Gannon-Doak or Dane Murray, who both went straight from the Under-18s to the first team.

But one young defender, who couldn’t make the breakthrough at the Hoops, has now completed a surprise move to Chelsea.

Irish defender completes Chelsea move

Fans may remember Bosun Lawal, who made a move to Stoke last summer after impressing for the B team and moving on loan to Fleetwood.

READ MORE: Auston Trusty reveals new Celtic injury setback as defender opens up on fitness issues

But another Irish defender signed from England who will be less-remembered is Justin Osagie, who joined the Hoops from West Ham in 2022.

He spent two years playing under Darren O’Dea for the B team, making his debut aged 17 in a 3-0 win against Open Goal Broomhill.

Often benched for Mitchell Robertson and Lenny Agbaire, he departed the B side last summer and completed a move to Peterborough United.

This is why his Chelsea move is a surprise. He did not make a senior appearance for The Posh and spent time on loan at Peterborough Sports in the National League North.

We’ll see if he can make any sort of impact at any level for the Blues – this is an excellent opportunity for him.

Celtic players to play for Chelsea

Osagie may never have made a first-team appearance for the Hoops, but his move to Chelsea is a sign that there is a player there.

What other players have played at both Celtic Park and Stamford Bridge? Historically, Davie Hay is probably the most notable example – Hay is fondly remembered at both clubs.

In the decades since, Jiri Jarosik, Craig Burley and Chris Sutton have all turned out for both clubs.

The most recent man to play for both is Scott Sinclair, who became a favourite at Celtic before leaving in 2020.