Report: Ange goes the extra mile to secure Celtic January deal

By John McGinley

January 10, 2022

The personal touch of Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou was a factor in sealing the deal to sign Riley McGree, The Daily Record has reported.

The paper says that McGree has agreed to make the switch to Glasgow from Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer. Their report states an announcement from Celtic is now close.

Postecoglou became personally involved in negotiations, despite CEO Michael Nicholson taking the lead on transfer business in recent months.

McGree arrives at Celtic after spells at multiple clubs in Australia and Club Brugge, in addition to Charlotte who he will never play for.

Most recently he was on loan at Birmingham City, where he became a hit with their supporters. That experience of British football through the English Championship should serve him well in the Scottish Premiership.

An attacking midfielder, he’ll be competing for first-team places with compatriot Tom Rogic, as well as Reo Hatate and David Turnbull.

That leaves Celtic with incredible strength in depth in those positions, which should serve our bid to compete in three further competitions this season well.

McGree will have the fitness and readiness to come into training immediately once he is announced.

Who else will Postecoglou convince to come to Celtic this month? It feels like there are still more deals in the pipeline after this one.

In other news, Kenny Dalglish is massively excited about new Celtic signing after reviewing footage.