Reported Celtic target completes record-breaking £7m transfer elsewhere; Barcelona wanted him too

Follow us on Google Discover

Celtic linked play-maker Brenden Aaronson has completed a record-breaking move to Red Bull Salzburg potentially worth up to £7 million, according to ESPN.

They don’t call this fleet-footed 19-year-old the USA’s answer to Kai Havertz for nothing.

After spending the MLS season tearing defences apart like wet tissue paper with his show-stopping passing, Aaronson’s scintillating form has been rewarded with a place in soccer folklore on the other side of the Atlantic.

Philadelphia Union have cashed in on their prized asset for an initial £4.6 million fee; one which is likely to soar towards the £7 million bracket with various add-ons included.

No homegrown player in MLS history has ever been sold for a higher amount.

“It’s going to be challenging, but it’s something that I’ve wanted to do my entire life and it’s been a dream of mine. I am so happy it’s coming true,” says Aaronson, who will officially become a Salzburg player when the window opens again in January.

“I’ve had time in MLS and I think that I’ve developed in that time and I think the earlier you get over to Europe, I think the better you can develop.

“You can get stronger as a player over there, and I think it challenges you more. I think just the situation that I’m in, it’s the perfect time.”

MLS Soccer reported back in June that Celtic were showing an interest in the USA international.

He was also courting the attention of a Barcelona side who appear to be taking an interest in one of football’s most rapidly growing markets (ESPN).

The La Liga giants signed right-back Sergino Dest from Ajax in September and are also keeping a close eye on Borussia Dortmund’s ‘American Dream’ Gio Reyna.