Celtic will love Fulham fans' reaction to Callum Osmand move

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It looks like Celtic are already lining up a few players as signings. After some long waits previously until near the end of the transfer windows for any significant news, it would be great to get some decent business done early. Maybe this is the season for it, with the club needing to qualify for the Champions League rather than getting an automatic spot by winning the Scottish Premiership.

Among those said to be coming to Parkhead is Callum Osmand from the Fulham youth ranks. He could be one of the first of the new players arriving, based on reports.

All the signs point to a done deal, medical completed, and signatures in place. Just the announcement to follow it seems, and that might come quickly when the window opens on Monday. 

Fulham fans are thinking Celtic will have another bargain on their hands. That’s partly because any fee agreed will be covered by development rules and likely to be around £450,000. Those supporters surely haven’t forgotten that Moussa Dembele left the club to sign for the Hoops on a similar basis. Also, although he didn’t sign directly from there, they’ll be well aware of the success Matt O’Riley had in Glasgow.

Celtic will love Fulham fans' reaction to Callum Osmand move

The Fulham fans are clearly sad to see Osmand leave, and no wonder. He was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award.

That’s on the back of a successful season for Fulham’s youngsters. Second in the PL2 league is pretty impressive. Overall, he has scored 43 goals for the London side in just 73 appearances at the U18 and U21 levels.

Jack Kelly wrote: "Fantastic opportunity, and I reckon almost guaranteed first team football at Celtic for Callum Osmand. A massive shame Fulham couldn’t hold onto him. Best of luck to him."

Could Brendan Rodgers and the scouting team have unearthed another gem with Osmand? It’s certainly possible. The reports of his move to Glasgow indicate the player is coming to join the first-team squad, not the B team. 

That certainly puts him in the frame for game time and the chance to show what he can do. He is said to be fast-paced and keen to press, always looking for chances to get in behind defenders. That should work well at Celtic. 

How much time Osmand gets will also depend on other factors, in particular, what other players will be available for Rodgers. Will another centre-forward arrive or will the Hoops continue with Adam Idah or Daizen Maeda through the middle again?

You’d have to think this signing will mean the end of Johnny Kenny’s spell at the club, and perhaps that’s where Osmand will fit in. As with the Fulham fans, Celtic supporters will be wishing him every success when he is confirmed as a signing.

Of course, many will raise their eyebrows at the idea of bringing in a 19-year-old with no senior-level experience as the third striker. But it would be a mistake to write him off before he has kicked a ball for Celtic.