Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Dara Jikiemi’s move from Celtic to Liverpool.
He looks to be the latest in a long line of talented Celtic youngsters to reject a professional contract in favour of a move down south.
Jikiemi’s move to Anfield was first reported in December, and a contract was reportedly in place several months ago.
Romano has now reported that the paperwork was signed on Sunday, with a five-year deal agreed.
Academy players are leaving Celtic at an unprecedented rate…
Dara Jikiemi signs five-year contract at Liverpool
The Scotland under-16 captain has moved to Merseyside after months of reporting; at one point, the deal had looked in doubt.
It was reported in January that Celtic were unhappy with Liverpool’s approach for the defender, leaving the move ‘hanging in the balance’.
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But if the will of the player and agent was to leave, the club were powerless to prevent his move to the English giants.
The recent development at Barrowfield was intended, in part, to persuade more young players to ignore interest from down south.
But the move was prolonged for months due to Celtic’s dissatisfaction over the compensation package on offer.
Liverpool have a proven record of signing and developing teenagers in recent years.
Rio Ngumoha, Harvey Elliott and, of course, Ben Gannon-Doak are among those brought to Anfield from other clubs.
Celtic first ‘anticipated’ a bid for Jikiemi in November, with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest both in the running.
Jikiemi is a Scotland youth international, who impressed captaining his country against Spain late last year.
Martin O’Neill has indicated a willingness to give spaces to young talent in his squad.
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Martin O’Neill on Celtic’s academy prospects
The Parkhead boss said back in April: “If I was here, I’d like to make room for younger players coming through.
“Myself and Fozzy [Mark Fotheringham] went to watch the B team. They played Brentford last Tuesday at Barrowfield and some of the younger lads, I know they’re not of the age at this minute, they are really impressive.
“So it is a balancing act of trying to be strong, still strong, and hopefully that these players can come through in the next couple of years.
“Because that would be lovely, that would be really nice to see young boys who’ve got the club at heart, who’ve maybe been in the academies here since they were about 12 or 13 to come through. And we’ve got one or two lads.
“It was an under-18s or 19s game against Brentford, but it was very impressive, both sides. So that was really good.
“I think we should have an eye on that, and not stifle young talent coming through, particularly here because Scottish football needs it.”
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