Celtic have missed out on signing promising youngster

According to an earlier report by the Boot Room, both Celtic and Rangers clubs have whiffed on a chance to acquire a promising player.

19-year-old French winger Thomas Robert has reportedly signed on a free transfer with fellow SPFL-side Airdrieonians on a one-year deal. This leaves Celtic out in the cold who were previously pursuing his signature.

Once touted as a target for Celtic, Rangers, and English-side Newcastle, Robert could have been a potential prospect piece for Neil Lennon’s squad. He showed much promise in this year’s UEFA Youth League, making five appearances in play against teams’ youth sides including Chelsea and Benfica.

He was, however, unable to break into playing time for Montpellier’s first team last season, leaving the club on a free transfer Thursday.

The son of former Newcastle winger Laurent Robert, a renowned free-kick specialist, he has the potential for a steady career on the wings. If he is able to break into Airdrionians’ first team and see some consistent playtime, he could potentially be a solid player within the SPFL, maybe even signing for one of the Glasgow sides in the future as the Boot Room speculated.

With the return of Mo Elyounoussi and the retaining of James Forrest, it’s unlikely Robert would have been able to get much first-team time in Parkhead this season anyway, so it may be good for the youngster to potentially get some time in Airdrie.

Celtic fans may get a chance to see the young winger’s potential this season if they stay tuned to to League One action. The Hoops have a world-renowned developmental; system and Robert could have been a perfect fit.

Hoops fans, would you want to have made the signing, or prefer he potentially develop in Airdrie for a season? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.