New Celtic signing Callum Osmand has revealed he spoke to Matt O’Riley before sealing his move to Parkhead and the midfielder’s glowing review helped make up his mind.
CeltsAreHere first reported the Hoops’ pursuit of the Fulham teenager back on June 9th, and the 19-year-old has now been officially unveiled by the club after agreeing a four-year deal.
Osmand joins the Scottish champions as their fourth signing of the summer, following Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan and Benjamin Nygren through the door as Brendan Rodgers continues shaping his squad ahead of a vital campaign.
Speaking to Celtic TV after completing his switch, the forward credited Fulham’s coaching staff for his development and revealed how a conversation with O’Riley – who also came through the English system before shining in Glasgow – gave him an insight into what to expect.
“Fulham has got a brilliant academy set-up and the coaches are top class. So it’s credit to them the way they bring through players,” Osmand said to Celtic TV.
“Obviously, there have been multiple names that have come to Celtic like Moussa Dembele and Matt O’Riley. I’ve spoken to Matt on the phone, and he gave me advice, told me how big the club is and how amazing the fans are.
“He said it’s a whole new life, and that got me even more excited.”
Osmand is expected to be part of the first-team setup from the off and will be aiming to make an early impression during Celtic’s pre-season campaign.
Matt O’Riley left the Hoops a year ago, and has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League. There have been some transfer rumours floating about, with Premier League sides as well as Napoli keen on the player.
