The Irish contingent at Parkhead is about to increase
Derry City’s Michael Duffy is set for a move to Celtic.
The 20-year-old winger has previously had two trials with the Scottish champions. He has certainly impressed the Celtic staff, scoring two goals against Newcastle last month in a friendly game for the Hoops.
The clubs have agreed a fee reported to be €330,000 for the striker, allowing Duffy to officially talk to the Scottish giants. He is understood to be discussing personal terms with the Scottish club.
‘We have agreed a deal with Celtic for Michael Duffy,” Derry City chief executive Sean Barrett told STV. We thought it was dead in the water, then Celtic contacted at us to say they wanted to sign him. I believe Michael is discussing personal terms.’
The winger netted 16 goals for Derry last season. He also spent a week on trial with Championship side Brentford, who were keen on offering him a deal.
Duffy has represented Northern Ireland at Under-19 and Under-21 level. He made his debut for the Under-21 team on September 9th last year in a 4-1 defeat against Serbia at Shamrock Park, Portadown.
His departure will be another blow to the Candy Stripes. Forward Rory Patterson left the club last month after the player and club mutually agreed to terminate is contract. Combined, Duffy and Patterson scored 42 of Derry’s 69 goals.
Manager Peter Hutton will be able to use the money from Duffy’s transfer to boost his squad but with the start of the new League of Ireland season less than five weeks away, time is against the City boss.
Written by Michael Dodd Kinsella
