Osaze Urhoghide is on the verge of finalising a move to join KV Oostende on loan until the end of the season after Celtic snubbed bids for the young defender’s permanent transfer.
That’s according to The Scotsman, who report Urhoghide arrived in Belgium on Sunday to conclude discussions with De Kustboys. The 21-year-old has been in high demand during the January window with Ange Postecoglou keen to secure his temporary exit.
Urhoghide has struggled to break into Postecoglou’s plans since moving to Glasgow from Sheffield Wednesday last summer. The free signing has so far only played one first-team fixture, with an outing during the Bhoys’ Europa League dead-rubber tie with Real Betis.
Serie A side Verona explored rivalling Oostende for Urhoghide’s loan transfer from Celtic before deadline day. But the Owls product chose the Belgian Pro League outfit to secure regular senior minutes, plus an opportunity to feature in Europe.
Celtic have snubbed offers of a permanent transfer as the Parkhead hierarchy still consider the centre-half part of their future. The Bhoys will now keep close tabs on his development at the Versluys Arena in view of returning next season.
Celtic’s Urhoghide snubs Premiership transfer for Oostende loan
Urhoghide has proven to be in high demand ahead of joining Oostende in a loan transfer from Celtic. The Daily Record reported earlier this month that the Bhoys agreed to terms with Dundee for a temporary move. But the defender then stalled on accepting the offer.
The Daily Record also linked Urhoghide with English League One side Morecambe during the winter sales. Yet the defender – who Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore calls ‘immense’ – will now move to the side currently 13th in the Belgian top-flight.
Oostende will hope Urhoghide can help improve their defensive record during his loan transfer from Celtic. Only three of the 18 Jupiler Pro League sides have conceded more than the 46 goals De Kustboys have allowed over their 24 fixtures so far this season.
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