Former Celtic manager Ronny Deila has signed Gedion Zelalem for New York City.
The Norwegian has brought the American international in as one of his first acquisitions since taking over.
The move for the former Rangers midfielder will raise some eyebrows in Glasgow. Deila’s new man helped contribute to his eventual downfall that saw him leave the Hoops.
Gedion Zelalam signs up for Ronny Deila at New York City
The 22-year-old was announced as a new signing for NYC FC over the weekend.
He had previously been in MLS with Sporting Kansas City in the last American season. The ex-Arsenal youth is now meeting up with a familiar face in old foe Deila.
Deila said: “Gedion is a very versatile midfielder who can play across multiple positions.
“He’s a creative player and possesses very good technique on the ball which is vital for a midfielder in our system. He’s eager to begin this preseason and we’re ready for him to get into camp and show off who he is as a player.”
Deila isn’t the only man that Zelalem will know from Scotland in the NYC squad. Former Celtic winger Gary Mackay Steven will be linking up with him on the pitch too.
American move is a surprising one for Norwegian boss
Deila has had to eat a bit of humble pie and let bygones be bygones with Zelalem. The American scored one of the penalties as the Gers overcame the Celts in their famous Scottish Cup win.
It was an unforgivable defeat that all but meant Deila’s future would be spent away from Celtic. The Norwegian finished up the season going back home before joining Valarenga in Oslo.
Deila clearly knows what Zelalem can do and bring to his team – hence the reason for signing him. But, there will surely be some training ground banter between the two about their time in Glasgow.
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