Former Celtic trialist Thomas Robert has finally moved from Airdrionians, with the Belgian second division his destination.
Royal Excel Mouscron announced that the son of French cult hero Laurent Robert has signed with the club until 2023 [REMFC]. There’s even an optional additional year on the contract, provided he impresses.
Robert had been with Celtic earlier this year. Most recently, he’d been training with David Beckham-backed outfit Salford City. Robert was keen on a Celtic move, but according to the Daily Record, the managerial situation at the club was an insurmountable obstacle.
The winger’s career has been a series of surprising choices. Originally of the famed Montpellier Academy, he opted to sign for Airdrieonians in the pursuit of game-time. Robert had impressed Diamonds’ bosses after a quality display against Billy Gilmour and Tariq Lamptey [Daily Record].
His form in Lanarkshire alerted scouts around the UK, with Celtic providing an exciting yet realistic landing spot for the SPFL star. However, like many others Celtic have been linked with before, he’s moved to Belgium.
Thus ends any lingering Celtic and Thomas Robert saga
Having trained extensively with Burnley this summer [Daily Record], the pre-Salford expectation would’ve been that Robert would’ve pitched up in England somewhere.
That would’ve been following his father’s path, with Robert Sr starring for Newcastle United and Portsmouth during an excellent career. However, if we know anything about young Thomas, is that he prefers to zig when he’s expected to zag.
Capable on either side, it makes sense that Celtic were interested. However, that interest died down with Ange Postecoglou’s arrival.
Meanwhile, the additions of Liel Abada and Jota have put paid to any realistic chances Robert could’ve had of first-team action.
So, it’s not like we’re missing out hugely. Meanwhile, Royal Excel Mouscron have a player they can develop.
Until his next esoteric move, at least.
Read more: Will gloomy international outlook affect Celtic man long-term?
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