If a report from the Daily Record is believed to be true, Celtic outcast Osaze Urhoghide is facing an anxious wait on his future ahead of the summer window. The youngster joined KV Oostende on loan for first-team minutes, and the Belgium outfit are now weighing up a permanent swoop by triggering the option-to-buy clause of his contract.
Gauthier Ganaye, the chief executive of Oostende, is impressed by Urhoghide’s impact but, at the same time, has highlighted his concern over the defender’s valuation.
“Urhoghide has proved to be an excellent addition, but the problem is he is still too expensive for us. But I hope we can work out a solution with Celtic, then I would be very happy because we really want to keep Osaze.”
The Netherlands-born youngster left the country at the age of 5 and eventually joined the academy ranks of AFC Wimbledon. Despite being released in 2019, he was roped in by Sheffield Wednesday after a successful trial. Urhoghide went on to make 21 senior appearances for the Owls before rejecting a contract extension in favour of the Celtic switch.
The 21-year-old plied his trade to Parkhead before Ange Postecoglou was appointed the Hoops boss. The Aussie chief roped in an array of names that fit in his free-flowing football, and Urhoghide, having not really been a Postecoglou recruit, found his place way down the pecking order. He made only one senior appearance for the Bhoys, that too in a dead rubber Europa League fixture against Real Betis.
Predominantly a centre-half, the former Sheffield Wednesday prodigy has also operated as a right fullback. But the Hoops are well equipped down the right, with Josip Juranovic and Anthony Ralston challenging each other for a starting position.
Why Celtic Should Aim For A Significant Financial Gain
Celtic are closing in on making Cameron Carter-Vickers’ loan deal permanent after an incredible campaign, whereas Carl Starfelt has also been resilient in deep defence overcoming early jitters. Christopher Jullien has revived his career after a severe knee injury. Also, the emergence of Stephen Welsh through academy ranks depicts depth and quality in the heart of the backline.
While Urhoghide must be targeting the manager’s attention during pre-season, Oostende are keen on repeating the pattern that worked spectacularly last year for Jack Hendry. The Scotsman revived his game in Belgium after failing to find a place in the Celtic squad, and the Hoops should stick to their price tag to make a significant profit from Osaze Urhoghide’s potential transfer.
