NEW Bhoy Callum Osmand has revealed talks with Matt O’Riley helped him make up his mind about leaving Fulham for Celtic.
The 19-year-old striker has sealed his cross-border switch to the champions after agreeing a four-year deal.
The lively frontman became Brendan Rodgers’ fourth signing of the summer following defender Kieran Tierney, winger Benjamin Nygren and keeper Ross Doohan.
Like O’Riley, Osmand came through the Craven Cottage academy system and is now eager to get started with his career in Scotland.
SIGN OF THE TIMES…Callum Osmand puts pen to paper to seal his four-year deal. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
The youngster said: “It’s a massive move. I’m really excited and I can’t wait to step out at Celtic Park in front of all the fans.
“The winning mentality at Celtic is obviously unbelievable and I want to win trophies here. Every game that I step into here, I want to win and I feel like we have all the facilities, players and staff to do so.”
The pathway from the London club to the east end of Glasgow is one several players have followed in recent years, including Moussa Dembele, Patrick Roberts, Moritz Jenz and O’Riley, who arrived at the Hoops in January 2022 following a bargain £1.5million move from MK Dons.
Osmand, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “I have spoken to Matt on the phone, so he has given me advice. He talked me through some stuff.
“He was telling me about how big the club is, how amazing the fans are and it’s a new life, really. So excited is definitely the word for me.”
Celtic fans won’t need reminding of the impact another young forward from Fulham had at Parkhead back in 2016 as one of Rodgers’ first signings for the club.
Dembele hit the ground running with a spectacular hat-trick in the 5-1 derby success on September 10 that year to become an instant hit with the fans.
Over to you, Callum!
