To Russia with Love, Bolingoli’s Celtic exit

Celtic’s wayward left back, Boli Boligoli a £3m signing from Rapid Vienna as a replacement for Kieran Tierney, has agreed to join Russian side FC Ufa ahead of their transfer window closing, that’s according to Sports Journalist Pete O’Rourke who this after tweeted this update.

“Understand Celtic defender Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo has agreed a deal to join FC Ufa before the Russian transfer window closes.”

Few tears, if any will be shed at this transfer with most supporters hoping it’s a permanent move rather than a loan deal. If it’s the latter hopefully there will be an option to buy. What is clear is that Bolingoli has no future at Celtic and probably hasn’t since that ill-considered trip to Spain at the start of last season signalled the start of the ten-in-a-row campaign unravelling with football being played behind closed doors due to the pandemic.

Boli Bolingoli of Celtic during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Livingston FC and Celtic FC at The Toni Macaroni Arena on September 18, 2021.. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Bolingoli has certainly paid a heavy price for that reckless indiscretion but even with the arrival of Ange Postecoglou – who offered clean slates all round – Bolingoli only managed the one start, against Livingston on September in that frustrating 1-0 defeat. It has to be said that the Belgian was one of Celtic’s better performers that afternoon, but it didn’t amount to much and he hasn’t been involved in the Celtic squads in recent months as Celtic caught up ground then opened up a three point lead at the top of the league.

Bolingoli is probably best to look elsewhere to play his football and hopefully some of that transfer fee can be recovered. Not really holding out much hope on that one though.

Football Insider are also reporting that this transfer is progressing.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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