Michael Noonan has reportedly called an end to the saga surrounding his future.
The 17-year-old has been at the centre of an intense transfer chase, at the centre of which Celtic have been for a year at this point.
Last summer, Noonan rejected Manchester City to join Shamrock Rovers as a 16-year-old, opting to remain in his native Ireland to play senior football.
Celtic then intensified their pursuit, but Hoffenheim looked to have won the race in January… only for his exit to collapse again, leaving us where we are for the summer.
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Celtic target Michael Noonan in ‘advanced talks’ with Ajax
According to The 42, Noonan is now in advanced talks with Ajax, giving the Dutch giants his word that they are his preferred destination.
It’s said he recently visited the club’s facilities in Amsterdam.
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The Dutch giants have recently completed the appointment of highly-rated Spanish boss Michel Sanchez as they look to end a barren spell without a league title in four years.
They finished fifth in the Eredivisie this season, a staggering 28 points behind champions PSV. They also finished behind Feyenoord, NEC Nijmegen and FC Twente.
Noonan is expected to move into their second team, Jong Ajax, who play in the second tier, from which there is no relegation.
It was reported last November that Celtic were ‘optimistic’ of landing Noonan, despite the number of clubs in the race for the teenager.
Whilst the focus for many fans is on first-team options, the Hoops reportedly saw him as a long-term investment.
Dermot Desmond’s influence at Rovers was another potential factor – Celtic bought Liam Scales from the club in 2021.
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Who is Celtic target Michael Noonan?
Noonan is the youngest-ever goalscorer in the UEFA Conference League, scoring for Rovers against Molde in last season’s knockout rounds.
He scored six goals in 30 appearances in last year’s Irish Premier Division, which was won by Rovers.
Ironically, he moved to the club to take the place of Johnny Kenny, who has since been in and around the Celtic first team.
Shortly after the collapse of his move to Germany, Noonan’s mother lodged a complaint with football authorities regarding the handling of his Rovers contract.
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