‘Special’ former Celtic man secures his big transfer after 20-goal season

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Former Celtic misfit Jonathan Afolabi has earned himself a move to Belgium’s top flight after a stunning season over in Ireland with Bohemians. 

The Dublin-born forward crossed the sea in the summer of 2022 after failing to make a single first-team appearance for Celtic, arriving at Bohemians with a point to prove and a reputation to re-boot.

Nominated for Ireland’s PFA Player of the Year award after producing a stunning goals tally during 2022/23, it’s safe to say Jonathan Afolabi has done exactly that. Point proven. Reputation re-booted. 

Afolabi scored 20 goals and set up seven more, firing Bohemians to League Cup glory and earning himself a big move to Belgium along the way.

Former Celtic starlet Jonathan Afolabi in career-best form

“Afolabi is a special player,” Bohemians coach Declan Devine told the Irish Independent of the late-blooming forward. “I think his confidence is sky high. He scares defenders with his ability to hold the ball up on his chest.” 

Devine, however, knew deep down that Afolabi was not going to stick around forever.

“Let’s look at the bigger picture. There’s not many Johnathan Afolabi’s about,” the coach added . “I’m sure there’ll be eyes watching him but we don’t want them eyes on him too much at the minute, as he’s a key component in what we’re trying to do here.

“All he has to do is enjoy his football.”

With a move to Belgian outfit KV Kortrijk now confirmed, De Kerels agreeing a fee after failing with an opening bid of around £180,000, the former Celtic and Southampton youngster is more than deserving of a second stab at life in one of Europe’s bigger leagues (Irish Independent). 

He joins a Kortrijk outfit with a number of Brits in their ranks. Nottingham Forest winger Alex Mighten is already plying his trade on loan at the Guldensporen Stadium. As is ex-Arsenal starlet Ryan Alebiosu, Cardiff-owned forward Isaak Davies, and one-time Rangers loanee Sheyi Ojo. 

20 goals in 40 games

“I’d like to thank the coaching staff, my team-mates and all the fans for making my time here very enjoyable,” Afolabi said during an emotional farewell to Bohemians.

“I’ll be moving on with a lot of good memories and moments in my career that have helped me improve.”