Celtic have announced the signing of Oliver Burke on loan from West Brom until the end of the season, becoming the Scottish Champions’ first signing of the transfer window.
The deal, subject to a medical, will see the 21-year-old Scotland international link up with his new team-mates for their winter break training camp in Dubai.
The midfielder took to social media following the announcement of his move north of the border.
The 21-year-old began his career with Nottingham Forest before signing for RB Leipzig in August 2016. But a year later he returned to England after signing for West Brom.
He has made 21 appearances for the Championship side, with six of those coming this season. He has scored just once for the Baggies – in this season’s EFL Cup game against Luton Town, which was the only goal of the game.
Speaking to the official West Brom website, Sporting and Technical Director Luke Dowling confirmed the move, but added that there was no option to buy at the end of the deal.
He said:
"“To be fair to Oli, there have been a lot of changes at the Club since his arrival which have not helped him,” said Dowling.“The opportunity to join a club of Celtic’s stature on loan was felt by everyone to be the best pathway to help develop his career.“Oli liked what Celtic had to offer and he has obviously got the opportunity to play on a great stage which should be of benefit to him.“I would stress that there is no ‘option to buy’ clause at the end of the loan and he will be back with us at the end of the season.“We will be keeping a close eye on his progress and still believe that in Oli we have a talented player who we are anxious to develop and progress.”"
Capped five times by Scotland, Burke made his international debut against Denmark in March 2016 and last pulled on the Dark Blue jersey in the 1-1 draw with Canada in March 2017 in an international friendly.
Burke will be hoping the loan deal to Celtic will not only give him ample first team football, but also kickstart his career as it looks to have hit a rough patch.
Despite several Championship sides, including former side Nottingham Forest, interested in signing Burke, the Scotland youngster opted to join Celtic and work with Brendan Rodgers with the chance of playing European football next month against Valencia and doing his hopes of further international caps a world of good.
Celtic fans will be hoping that the club can push forward and make more signings this January with strikers and defensive options a priority.
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