Celtic have confirmed the exit of Academy prospect Ben Summers. The highly rated 21-year-old forward has sealed a move to Somerset Park to reunite with Celtic legend Scott Brown.
Having joined Celtic at the age of seven, Summers has now been encouraged to depart the Scottish champions in pursuit of establishing himself in senior football.
Celtic confirmed the youngster would be leaving on loan, following previous temporary spells with Dunfermline Athletic and Admira Wacker.
The Honest Men later revealed that Summers will link up with the Championship outfit on a permanent basis, signing a two-year deal.
Celtic Assistant Manager Shaun Maloney will remain fully committed to first-team duties but, in his capacity as First Team Pathways Manager, he is also tasked with helping guide young talent from the Academy to Paradise.
Maloney and Martin O’Neill have been working alongside the club’s recruitment department to add quality to the squad. Several areas still require attention, and it is somewhat concerning that these issues remain unresolved at this point in the window.
Celtic Tracking Dundalk Teenager:
Celtic are one of several clubs competing to sign Dundalk teenage prospect Vinnie Leonard during the January transfer window, with the Scottish champions keeping a close watch on developments, according to Pete O’Rourke.
The Hoops are facing interest from multiple English clubs, but Leonard’s rapid progress has firmly placed him on Celtic’s shortlist as recruitment staff continue to focus on young players with significant long-term upside.
Dundalk are preparing for approaches for the teenager this month, with Celtic believed to be considering whether to step up their interest as the pursuit of his signature intensifies.
Any potential deal would align with Celtic’s broader plan to reinforce their development pathway while maintaining flexibility within the senior squad.