Thanks Matt – Former Hoops hero O’Riley helped sell Celtic to Callum Osmand | OneFootball

Celtic this afternoon confirmed the signing of Callum Osmand, after the young striker turned down a contract extension from Fulham, becoming the fourth player to join the club in what is shaping up to be an intriguing summer window for the club.

Callum Osmand signs for Celtic. Photo Celtic FC

Osmand’s arrival follows hot on the heels of Kieran Tierney’s emotional return home from Arsenal, the capture of Swedish winger Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjælland, and the re-signing of goalkeeper Ross Doohan, who returns to replace Scott Bain, now at Falkirk.

But while those names carry either pedigree or a clear squad purpose, Osmand’s signing raises a few more questions than it answers — and possibly, that’s where the excitement lies.

There is of course the elephant in the room with this transfer, young Osmand hasn’t kicked a ball yet in senior professional football. No Premier League minutes, no loan spells to speak of, no Championship cameos. He leaves Fulham as a prospect, not a product.

But sometimes, the ones that haven’t made the headlines yet are the ones to watch.

And yet, listen to Brendan Rodgers, and you might begin to understand why Celtic acted decisively to bring the 19-year-old striker north of the border. Here’s Sandman’s thoughts on Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in his season review published recently on The Celtic Star which you can read here.

“He’s a quick and powerful striker and I’m really looking forward to working with him. I’m sure he can be really successful with us. He is a highly-rated, talented young player.”

This doesn’t seem like a vague platitude. Rodgers, who doesn’t hand out praise, or appearances, easily, has been enthusiastic. The key phrase?

“Highly-rated.” This implies Osmand didn’t go unnoticed at Fulham, so perhaps we’ve got ourselves real potential here.

If there’s one name that perks the ears of Celtic fans when it comes to young signings, it’s probably Matt O’Riley. From an unpolished gem at MK Dons to one of the best midfielders in Scotland, O’Riley is now a fully-fledged Danish international and an EPL player— so he knows a thing or two about what a move to Glasgow can do for your career.

Matt O’Riley of Celtic celebrates scoring our second goal with teammates during the Scottish Premiership match between theRangers and Celtic at Ibrox on April 07, 2024. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Osmand revealed that his fellow former Fulham man had a word in his ear. “He was telling me about how big the club is, how amazing the fans are and it’s a new life really.”

READ THIS…Callum Osmand: I can’t wait to get started as a Celtic player

It’s telling that Osmand listened. It’s even more telling that he chose Celtic over the comfort of a renewed contract at a Premier League club. The striker called it “unbelievable” and “a massive move” — words full of emotion, but also intent.

Adam Idah celebrates. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

With Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah already on the books, as first choice striker and first dibs at back-up, it’s hard to see Osmand leapfrogging into the starting XI straight away, but with Johnny Kenny seemingly attracting interest from down south, there is certainly a place in this Celtic squad and minutes are available, and Osmand fits the youthful promise profile the manager wanted last summer for his third choice striker.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores his opening goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on March 29, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

He hasn’t had the test of first-team football and stepping into the Celtic forward line is no small ask, particularly with Champions League qualifiers looming but that sort of level is surely much further down the line.

But football isn’t just about what happens today. Celtic have been clever in recent years with smart recruitment: O’Riley, Hatate, and Abada were all signed with long-term upside. Is Osmand in that same category? A player who, under Rodgers’ watchful eye, can blossom from potential into first-team quality?

He’s fast, strong, is apparently a fine finisher, and he sounds keen to impress — traits that have a habit of flourishing in Glasgow if the mindset matches the skillset. And by all accounts, his mindset is exactly where it needs to be. As he told Celtic TV: “When I spoke to the manager, he was really positive. The plan and pathway he has set out for the club is top.”

Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans at full-time. Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership, 10 May 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

That pathway word again. Celtic under Rodgers second time around are clearly prioritising players with hunger, humility and headroom to grow.

So, what do we make of Celtic’s fourth summer signing?

Well, Callum Osmand is unlikely to walk straight into the side — but nor should he be dismissed as a long-term ‘project’ who’ll disappear into the loan market. With the right development, and the backing of a manager who’s made a habit of turning raw materials into refined brilliance, Osmand could be this summer’s quietest masterstroke.

READ THIS…‘Boy looks deadly,’ Watch Callum Osmand’s impressive finishing in summer heat

Callum Osmand signs for Celtic. Photo Celtic FC

He’s not the finished article. But maybe, just maybe, Celtic haven’t signed what he is — they’ve signed what he can become and sometimes, as we saw with Matt O’Riley that’s more than enough.

Welcome to Celtic, Callum – There’s a game on Friday, fancy a kickabout?

Niall J

Welcome to Celtic Callum Osmand…

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