Armstrong Oxo-Flex was the subject of discussions between Celtic and Huddersfield Town over a late transfer for the starlet. The 18-year-old is stalling on a new deal and has been linked with a move; however, the move has broken down with The Championship side.
Okoflex joined the club in September 2018 from Arsenal and was given his first sample of first team football under Brendan Rodgers when he was named on the bench for the late win over Killie in Feb 2019. He was involved in the games against Hibs and Livi earlier this year after the Dubai fiasco.
Mike McGrath of The Daily Telegraph updated supporters this evening stating that the talks had broken down.
#HTAFC Huddersfield were negotiating with #Celtic for Armstrong Okoflex (18) but have pulled out of late deal
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) February 1, 2021
The problem may be that there is no reserve football for players like Okoflex and there is increased competition for spaces in the first team. This means that players are often tempted away by the idea of playing regular youth football in England or a ‘top five league’ with a pathway into the Premier League. The English league is an attractive prospect for all young players owing to the money and exposure of the league; however, it is a notoriously difficult league to cut it in.
Oko-Flex would be well served staying at Celtic and getting his grounding, forcing his way into the first team and then looking to make his name before getting a move to the Premier League. A loan move could be an ideal route for the youngster in order to get him some exposure around first team football.