Osaze Urhoghide is set to return to Celtic after his loan spell at Oostende ends in the summer. The 22-year-old is enjoying his second loan spell with the Belgian club, having spend the second half of last season with them. However, as per reports in Belgium, despite 27 appearances this season, Oostende will not make their loan move a permanent one.
According to Nieuwsblad, Oostende are set for an overhaul in the summer and they view the youngster as being too expensive.
The player only made 21 senior appearances (before coming from Sheffield Wednesday) so he was always to be regarded as one for the future as opposed to an ‘oven ready’ player for Celtic. Jack Hendry left the club for Oostende in a loan deal and was able to resurrect his career.
Since arriving, Urhoghide has been limited in terms of game time but he did impress in the win over Real Betis in the Europa League, playing at right-back. He was strong in the tackle, comfortable enough of the ball and showed pace to defend as well as attack. However, the likelihood is that Ange has decided that the player cannot fit his Celtic team and, accordingly, has sanctioned his departure.
It will be interesting to see where the player ends up as clearly he is a talented footballer albeit not at the standard required to get beyond Alistair Johnston or Tony Ralston.
