Postecoglou gets down to business
Urhoghide and Griffiths win Celtic deals
New Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou completed his first significant pieces of business yesterday as striker Leigh Griffiths was given another contract and young defender Osaze Urhoghide was recruited from Sheffield Wednesday.
Urhoghide, a 20-year-old who was born in the Netherlands and moved to England as a child, has signed a fouryear deal. He joined Wednesday in 2019, making 21 appearances and impressing scouts at Celtic, who have also signed Liam Shaw from the Yorkshire club this summer.
“He's someone that the club's been tracking for a while and, when I came on board, I managed to have a meeting with him and he's a good young man, he's very ambitious," said Postecoglou of Urhoghide.
“He's just beginning his career, but he shows all the attributes on and off the field to want to become a top player, so it's great to get him here.
“He can play a couple of positions at the back and, most importantly, he's really keen to learn and develop and I
think this will be a great environment for him.”
Griffiths’ signing of a one-year extension brings to an end weeks of speculation over the striker’s future.
The 30-year-old, who was limited to mostly brief substitute appearances in the last few months of the season, said: "I am delighted to extend my time at the club. Celtic is a club I love and want to do all I can to play my part again in bringing success to our supporters.
"I'm looking forward to the season ahead and working with the new gaffer and the rest of the lads."
Postecoglou added: “I am really pleased to keep Leigh with us for another season at least. I have had very positive conversations with Leigh and he clearly understands my expectations and more importantly the club’s.
“Leigh has proven himself as one of the top strikers in Scotland and I look forward to working with him so we can bring success to Celtic.”