Callum Osmand has reportedly reached an agreement to sign with Celtic. The promising Fulham forward is close to finalising a move to Celtic, who this week announced Kieran Tierney’s return as their first major addition of the summer.
According to Sky Sports, Osmand has undergone a medical with the reigning Scottish champions and finalised a deal to join the Hoops. Fulham will be entitled to receive training compensation from Celtic once the transfer is completed.
Osmand became part of the West London club’s academy at the age of 13 and went on to sign his first professional deal with Fulham in the summer of 2023. At 19, he featured consistently for Fulham’s U21 team in last season’s Premier League 2, tallying 10 goals and four assists in 17 matches.
Across 73 appearances for Fulham’s U18 and U21 squads, he has found the back of the net 43 times. Osmand has also represented Wales at the U17 level, making four appearances and scoring one goal.
Speaking to HammyEnd last year, Fulham manager Marco Silva was full of praise for the incoming Celtic striker: “He is much more mobile [than a traditional centre forward]. He needs more senior football in his legs to see how he can adapt, perform. He’s got the profile that I like. When he has a chance, he can punish the opposition.
“I can see the talent, in a position that is very difficult to play in the Premier League. Probably if you play another striker by his side…you will take the best from him. Let’s hope we can help him to be ready for the Premier League.”
It now looks likely that Osmand will be confirmed as Celtic’s second summer signing in the coming days.
With Brendan Rodgers also having options such as Adam Idah, Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny at the top end of the pitch, it will be interesting to find out where Osmand will fit in the pecking order.
Meanwhile Celtic are apparently among the clubs pursuing a move for Fousseni Diabate. The winger’s latest spell was with Lausanne, competing in Switzerland’s top-flight. Diabate is set to become a free agent this summer as his deal with the club comes to an end.
Africafoot reports that Celtic are among the contenders to land the 29-year-old, while newly promoted Ligue 1 side Paris FC have already started working to lure him to Paris.
Last season, Diabate made 40 appearances for Lausanne, contributing eight goals and nine assists. Primarily a left winger, the Mali international – capped 12 times – is also capable of playing on the right wing or in a central attacking role.
The forward was on Leicester City’s books during Brendan Rodgers’ tenure, but did not feature in any matches while the current Celtic boss was in charge.
Over the last day, the Scottish Premiership champions have been linked with several wingers, such as Nilson Angulo from Anderlecht, Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp, and Sondre Orjasaeter from Norway’s Sarpsborg.
Meanwhile, according to talkSport, Celtic have shown interest in signing Josh Doig. A left-back will be a priority for Rodgers with Greg Taylor set to move to PAOK in Greece.
As already mentioned, The Hoops also confirmed the signing of Kieran Tierney from Arsenal on a five-year deal on Tuesday afternoon. It has been well-known since January that the 28 year-old left-back would make a long awaited return to his boyhood club and it has now been announced.
Celtic now look set to secure Fulham forward Callum Osmand as the second signing when the window opens. The 19 year-old Welshman was offered a contract extension with the West London club but has decided to agree terms with the Scottish champions.
Maybe the first chance we’ll get to see some of the above in the flesh playing for Celtic will be in the pre-season friendly at Celtic Park against Newcastle United on Saturday 19 July. Earlier today I attended the fan media conference at Celtic Park representing The Celtic Star with Stephen McManus and Shay Given to talk about this match. Here’s what happened…
Conor Spence
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Both volumes of Celtic in the Thirties are also available on Amazon Kindle, with the links to order below. Signed copies of both volumes are still available on hardback from Celtic Star Books and if you would like author Matt Corr to add a special dedication to your copies please let us know. Order hardback copies HERE or for Amazon Kindle click by clicking on the images below…
