Every summer, a decent number of players end up leaving Celtic. Some are high-profile exits, which are difficult but bound to happen due to the nature of the club's transfer policy. Others leave in search of playing time and those exits do not end up having much of an impact on the team. Then there are youngsters and academy graduates who choose to depart, which is unfortunate but understandable considering the Hoops' track record of failing to develop first-team starters.
In recent summers, we have seen players like Ben Doak, Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly leave the club. This time around, Daniel Cummings looks set to add his name to that list.
Cummings has been phenomenal for Celtic B throughout the season, scoring 29 goals. Six of those have come in the UEFA Youth League. Yet, that has translated to just one appearance for the senior team, as a substitute against Aston Villa in the Champions League.
So, it is easy to understand why Cummings might feel that it is time to leave the club. And he has now dropped the clearest indication yet that he is on his way to West Ham United.
Celtic player spotted at West Ham United game sparking exit talks
Cummings was spotted in the stands at West Ham United's recent game at home against Nottingham Forest. It ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Hammers.
Earlier, there had been rumours that Cummings had agreed a pre-contract with West Ham United and promised a place in the first-team squad. Nothing had been made official though. But after this, it appears to be pretty clear that we will see him in a claret and sky blue jersey from next season.
For Celtic, this is another highly-rated academy prospect who has chosen to leave the club. The issue is, one can understand why they are choosing to do so. And it is now up to the Hoops to make sure that in the future, youngsters feel more confident about their chances of making it at Parkhead.
This season, we have seen Jude Bonnar, Francis Turley and Sean McArdle make their first-team debuts. Let's hope one or more of them make it at the senior level.