St Mirren were already working on a deal for Eseosa Sule, but the chance to sign the former Celtic youngster permanently changed everything. Craig McLeish has now explained why.
The Buddies initially approached West Brom about taking the 20-year-old on loan. Once a permanent move became possible, St Mirren jumped at the chance to sign Sule.
Sule’s last return to Scotland ended before he had a proper opportunity to impress. A serious thigh injury required surgery and brought his Motherwell loan to an early finish.
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Craig McLeish explains St Mirren excitement over former Celtic striker
McLeish told St Mirren’s official website, “We had been speaking to West Brom about a loan initially, but when the chance came to do a permanent deal we were really excited about it because the more permanent deals that we can do and develop our squad for the future, the better.
“Eseosa came up on loan to Motherwell last year and was unfortunate that he picked up an injury and had to head back down the road without really featuring much.
“But he’s one that we’re excited about because it gives us the bit that we’re looking for where he can stretch defences. He gives us a real threat and speed in behind.
“He’s a really good boy. He’s one that we hope can contribute from day one, but he’s also one that is for us future planning as well with the age he’s at.”
St Mirren have signed Sule on a deal running until the summer of 2029. McLeish wanted that pace in his squad permanently rather than borrowing it from West Brom for one season.
Eseosa Sule gets fresh chance after leaving Celtic
Sule spent ten years inside Celtic’s Academy and signed professional terms at 16. He left for West Brom in 2023 without making a senior appearance for the Hoops.
The striker scored 14 goals and supplied four assists across West Brom’s youth competitions in 2024/25 before making two senior appearances.
His Motherwell spell then stalled after only three outings because of the injury.
But that didn’t put St Mirren off. They have committed to Sule because McLeish believes St Mirren lacked his pace, and a deal until 2029 gives him time to prove the Motherwell injury was only a setback.
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