Ajay Matthews, a teenage star from Middlesbrough, is apparently the target of Celtic, and negotiations to transfer the 18-year-old striker to Paradise are reportedly ongoing. [World Football League]
The forward only has one year left on his current contract. If a new agreement is not reached, Matthews may decide to move teams next summer for a small development fee, but it seems probable that he will make the move this season given how much sought after he is.
Matthews is considered a budding talent by many after being a standout in the under-18 Premier League season before. But we don’t see him being a player, and Brendan Rodgers is fighting to get him into the starting lineup. Most likely, the perception of him is that he can join the B team and contribute to see what he can do.
The young player has also played in three friendlies for the England under-18 team so far. Celtic’s recent history of acquiring young players and developing them into the starting lineup is not very impressive. If Matthews has other choices, that may be a mark against the team.
For the upcoming season, Celtic presents a special growth opportunity for the player. Playing in both the UEFA Youth League and the Lowland League might be the ideal setting for his development.
Although Matthews’ first-team debut may not come right away, Celtic is working hard to demonstrate their ability to develop young players, and should he join and succeed, he might serve as a model.
The future of some of our current young players is still very much up in the air. Rocco Vata looks to be on his way out having not signed a new deal with the Scottish Champions. While Daniel Kelly mulls over his next move. The midfielder who made his debut last season and also grabbed his first senior goal has six months left on his deal and has yet to commit.
Celtic have had an issue over the years keeping a hold of their top young talent. Some become frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities while others have their head turned by sizeable wages and the glamour of playing for a club in one of the top five leagues.
The club must begin to turn the tide and make it their USP to young players that if you come to Celtic you can quickly find yourself in and around the first team if you’re good enough.
