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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Osaze Urhoghide offers forgotten Celtic transfer windfall with Jack Hendry pathway in place for outcast defender

Celtic and forgotten defender Osaze Urhoghide face a nervy transfer waiting game as KVO Oostende weigh up a permanent swoop this summer.

The defender arrived from Sheffield Wednesday last summer and was officially unveiled as the first capture of the club's new era under Ange Postecoglou.

However, having penned a pre-contract from the then-Championship side it's clear the incoming boss had very little say on the arrival.

And having not really been a Postecoglou signing, Urhoghide has made as many appearances for the Celtic Colts as the first team.

He was part of a young Hoops side that faced Morton in the SPFL Trust Trophy second round back in September, before being handed a surprise start in the Europa League dead rubber with Real Betis.

In January, the 21-year-old was then shipped out on loan to Oostende with the Belgian outfit holding an option to buy.

It's a path that was first walked by Jack Hendry last season as he made the deal permanent before quickly being sold to Club Brugge.

After a slow start at Oostende following his move, Urhoghide earned himself a regular starting spot in the side as they earned a mid-table finish this term.

That could see Celtic land a quick profit for a player signed for a development fee last summer – with the club admitting they are willing to negotiate an exit for the player.

(BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

Oostende chief executive Gauthier Ganaye has stated: "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."

With his loan spell coming to an end, the centre-back has also left the door wide open for a permanent departure from Parkhead.

Speaking to the club website before the end of his temporary stint away, Urghohide said: "I will be very happy if I still play at Oostende next season. I'm having a great time here, but I also felt great at Celtic!"

There appears to be plenty of room for negotiations before the defender reports to Lennoxtown for pre-season training.

With the likes of £7million man Christopher Jullien finding his minutes limited last term due to the successful partnership of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt, the time may be right for a change for both parties.

With £1.75million being paid out by Oostende for Scotland star Hendry last summer, Celtic will hope to land a similar fee for Urgohide if a deal can be rubber stamped.

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