Ridwan Popoola has completed a move to UAE Pro League side Al-Wasl.
The midfielder, in whom Celtic registered their interest in January, was hugely sought-after this summer after a stellar season at Kisvarda in Hungary.
This has earned him a lucrative move to the Dubai-based club, where he will play under ex-Benfica boss Rui Vitoria.
67 Hail Hail exclusively revealed the news of Celtic’s interest in Popoola in January, but the club didn’t act on their initial contact.
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Ridwan Popoola joins Al-Wasl
The eight-time UAE champions announced the signing on Monday night, having struck a deal to land him ahead of their pre-season tour.
The 19-year-old has joined them on their trip to the Netherlands.
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Popoola stayed put in January despite Kisvarda rejecting ‘multiple’ bids for the teenager, who had interest from elsewhere in the UK.
A tall, powerful, composed defensive midfielder, Popoola moved to Hungary from Olukismet FC in Nigeria, initially playing in the second tier.
After Kisvarda’s promotion, he established himself as one of the best teenagers in the country as they secured an impressive fifth-place finish.
According to the CIES, he averaged a higher percentage of his team’s passes than any other U-23 midfielder in Europe last season.
A major rebuild beckons for Martin O’Neill, and this is especially the case in Celtic’s midfield department. Reo Hatate and Arne Engels are set to leave.
It’s no surprise, then, that the majority of players being linked with a move to Parkhead are midfielders.
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Midfielders being linked with Celtic
Preston have missed their chance to sign Alfie Devine, potentially opening the door for the Hoops to enter the running.
Benjamin Tahirovic is very much liked by Celtic; Brondby have reportedly now had contact from Celtic regarding his services.
Milan Vitalis Elijah Just and Elliot Watt are all also on the radar.
Gvidas Gineitis could be Engels’ replacement, with the Torino midfielder reportedly on the club’s radar.
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