Celtic have seen a number of players leave the club in recent times. Just this summer, Jota has completed a move away from Parkhead in order to join Al-Ittihad in a £25 million move. Conor Hazard is believed to be on the verge of a move to Plymouth Argyle. And these exits have not only come at the senior level.
The most high profile exit from the youth ranks in recent years has been that of Ben Doak. He had even played a couple of games at the senior level under the management of Ange Postecoglou but ended up moving to Liverpool soon afterwards. This summer, we have seen Tsoanelo Letsosa complete a move to Lommel SK.
It is not hard to understand why so many highly-rated youth prospects have left the club in recent times. Celtic do not have a great record when it comes developing their youngsters into first-team regulars over the past several years.
Despite this, one highly rated defender appears to have chosen to stay on Celtic. Even though there was interest in his signature from down south.
Defender signs Celtic deal despite interest from England
As reported by Football Scotland, Celtic have secured Finlay Hale to his first professional contract. He made it clear he saw his future at Parkhead despite interest from English clubs.
Hale is just 16 years of age and he is a very highly rated prospect. He is capable of playing at both centre-back and left-back. He has represented Scotland at youth level a few times already.
Of course, it does not feel like Hale would get into the senior team for a few years at least. But there are a few like Rocco Vata and Ben Summers, who are knocking at the door. The duo made a few appearances last season and should take the next step this time around.