Liverpool have reportedly agreed terms with Celtic academy centre-back Dara Jikiemi, with the teenager set to leave Parkhead for Anfield.

According to youth football source The Secret Scout, Liverpool have moved quickly to secure the highly-rated defender.

The Reds have convinced Jikiemi and his representatives of a pathway that will see him continue his development within their academy system. Not that joining Liverpool at 15 takes much convincing.

The report also claims the 15-year-old was left out of international fixtures this week due to the impending move, further fuelling speculation that a switch to Merseyside is now imminent.

Jikiemi has been regarded as one of the more promising centre-backs within Celtic’s academy setup and his departure will be a frustration for the club.

We saw behind-the-scenes footage of Nancy chatting with academy players, and he’s a coach who does like to give youth the chance.

For Celtic supporters, the transfer will feel like yet another example of academy talent heading south before being given the chance to progress toward the first team. In recent seasons, a number of young players have made similar moves, lured by the financial power, facilities and perceived pathways on offer in England.

Ben Doak – despite featuring for the first team – made the exact same move at 16.

An official announcement has yet to be made by either club, but all indications suggest Jikiemi’s move is now only a matter of time.

2 COMMENTS

    • This isn’t the fault of Celtic! You can jump all over the club as much as you like. But the fact is Scottish football offers kids in this age range no opportunities to progress!
      The people that blame the club, are simply looking for reasons to blame them! But explain where a 15 year old goes between academy and first team football in Scotland! I’ll wait…………..
      It also explains why we as a nation have such a terrible record of producing quality youngsters these days!

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