Celtic have officially announced the signing of PSG starlet Timothy Weah on a six-month loan deal and has linked up with his new team mates in Dubai.
The 18-year-old is the son of former PSG & AC Milan great George Weah and has already broken into the PSG first team with six appearances and scored twice – while picking up eight caps for the United States International side.
Speaking to the Celtic View, Brendan Rodgers said:
"“Timothy’s a young talent who is full international player. He has a long career ahead of him but he has those natural attributes in terms of his pace and technique. He’s hungry too.“He’s been in the PSG squad and featured for them in pre-season. With the quality of players they have, it’s difficult for him to get in and get any game-time. They wanted him to go out on loan and saw Celtic as a great possibility.“He has really good qualities technically, and tactically is always improving his game. Physically he’s very good, very fast and is a strong player. He’ll add competition to the squad.”"
Ahead of his move on loan to Celtic, the PSG hierarchy were quick to tie up the American to a new deal signalling how much the club rate the youngster – especially with the lack of an ‘option to buy’ clause as part of his loan switch to the Scottish champions.
Weah, speaking to the official Celtic website, added:
"“It’s a fantastic honour to sign for such a historic club, and I’m really looking forward to this opportunity.“I’m also delighted to be working with such a great coach and great team-mates, and I’m looking forward so much to be playing in front of some of the best and most passionate fans on the planet. I’m so happy and so excited.”"
According to ESPN, should Weah impress and his game develops then he could in all likelihood extend his stay at Parkhead for the ‘entirety of next season’.
With Celtic are currently short of striking options with former PSG youngster Edouard their only available option – after Leigh Griffiths was given an extended period of leave to deal with off-field personal issues – Weah could be in line to make his first team appearance against Airdrie in the Scottish Cup later this month.
Weah becomes the second signing of the January transfer window for Celtic after the loan capture of Oliver Burke from West Brom on another six month loan deal.
And they could be joined in the next few days by Ivory Coast striker Vakoun Issouf Bayo, currently playing for Dunajska Streda, after reports that Celtic’s latest bid has been accepted by the Slovakian side.