Hearts are reportedly on the verge of securing the signing of Celtic youth midfielder Aiden Haddow. The 19-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, looks set to move on after making his mark with Celtic’s B team and in the UEFA Youth League.
Haddow, a central midfielder with an eye for a pass, has been a regular fixture in Celtic’s B team during their Lowland League campaign, attracting interest from several clubs, including Hearts.
According to RecordSport, the Jambos have moved quickly to try and secure Haddow’s signature before his contract officially expires in the summer. While it’s not yet clear whether the Edinburgh club will look to sign him on a pre-contract deal this month or wait until the summer window, discussions are believed to be at an advanced stage.
Celtic’s academy has produced a number of talented players in recent years, and Haddow has been tipped by some to follow in the footsteps of others who have progressed into first-team football. However, with the likes of Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, and Arne Engels currently excelling in Celtic’s midfield, opportunities at senior level have been limited for the youngster.
For Hearts, the move represents an opportunity to bring in a technically gifted midfielder who has already been exposed to high-level competition. The Gorgie side has struggled this season and could use reinforcements. You would have to imagine that Celtic either doesn’t want to re-sign the player or simply wants a first-team opportunity elsewhere.
If the deal goes through, Celtic would be due training compensation for developing the player, in line with FIFA regulations for youth players.
Think that such deals are potentially going to be the normal for the future.
Also to many youngsters seem to be wanting to take the so called faster route down south, when not a good level of football behind them to succeed as quickly as they once thought imo?
But would like our club, to put potential buy back clauses into such deals also?
If he is out of contract in the summer, he holds all the cards.
We will have no option to include a buy back unless we sell him in this window. That would seem unlikely