Brendan Rodgers has laid out his vision for Celtic’s latest signing Callum Osmand, following the youngster’s move from Fulham.
Osmand’s signing marks another step in Celtic’s push to bring in promising talent with a view to development within the first-team environment. While the striker has yet to prove himself at senior level, he arrives with a growing reputation and was reportedly on the radar of several clubs.
Rodgers was quick to emphasise the club’s long-term thinking with the move. The Irishman has confirmed that Osmand will be involved in pre-season, giving the coaching staff a chance to assess his readiness and potential role in the squad.
Rodgers made clear that Celtic see the teenager as more than just a project, praising his attributes and emphasising the club’s confidence in the move. It’s a measured but optimistic stance as Rodgers looks to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign.
He said: (Celtic TV), “He wants to be a part of a first-team set-up where he can come and grow and develop, and obviously here, this is what this environment is built for.
“So, we see him as a really exciting young talent, bags of pace, scores goals, and like you say, he was really coveted by a number of teams, so we’re delighted to get Callum up here, and we’ll have a look in pre-season and see where he’s at from there.”
While there’s no immediate expectation for Osmond to break into the starting XI, Celtic clearly believe they’ve secured a player with potential. The forward will be given a platform in pre-season to show what he can offer, with decisions to be made from there.
It’s not the first time Celtic have moved early for young talent, and Osmond will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of players who’ve successfully transitioned into the senior set-up from similar beginnings. His pace and goalscoring instinct mark him out as one to watch.
With the transfer window now open, the focus turns to how Rodgers will shape his squad, balancing experience with emerging players like Osmond. It’s another sign of a longer-term approach underpinning Celtic’s recruitment this summer.
