Hate to say it but I think we should've made a move here. Big , strong, fast with Prem experience and only 24. I've always rated him. Not getting a game for City is nowt to be ashamed of. Celtic sign Boyata from City Last Updated: 02/06/15 15:07 please log in to view this image Dedryck Boyata shows off his new Celtic jersey after completing a four-year deal from Manchester City. Celtic have signed defender Dedryck Boyata from Manchester City on a four-year contract. The 24-year-old Belgian will replace fellow-countryman Jason Denayer at the heart of the champions' defence after he returned to the Etihad following a season-long loan deal at Parkhead. Boyata, who has had two seasons on loan at Bolton and FC Twente since joining City from FC Brussels in July 2009, figured in just two league games for Manuel Pellegrini's side last season. In a statement on Celtic's website, the club said: "Celtic are delighted to announce the signing of Belgian international Dedryck Boyata. "The 24-year-old defender becomes manager Ronny Deila's first signing of the close season and will join up with his new team-mates later this month when they report back for pre-season training ahead of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers." And speaking exclusively to Celtic TV after signing his contract, Boyata, who will wear No 20, said: "It feels really good. Celtic are a very big club and it feels good to be part of it. 'Challenge' "The manager came to see me in Manchester and I spoke to him about having me here and all the ideas he had for me playing for the team. "So I was very pleased with his plans and from that point I thought that moving to Glasgow would be a good idea and we tried to do everything right for me to move here." And Boyata is keen to make the same impact former team-mate Denayer made when he arrived at the start of the season. Denayer, who won the Premiership and Scottish League Cup during his 12 months at Parkhead, was named PFA Scotland Young Player of the Season last month. "I knew Jason when he came through the reserve team at City," said Boyata. "He is someone that I follow and I think he had a really good season last year "Hopefully I am going to do the same thing, and have a similar season. I am really pleased to have a new challenge with a massive club. It was a big opportunity and I am really delighted. "The reason I joined Celtic is they have a good plan for me. The manager told me he needed a centre back to replace Jason, who could play football, bring the ball from the back and win headers. "Celtic are getting a strong defender who is quick and who has ability on the ball."
Hopefully he is the replacement for their dutch centre half who we want to sign They deny it - which they would
Is he really worth the fee that's getting touted though? He plays against Scottish strikers week in week out, and hes had no senior Holland call up yet . He'd be a risk imo.
Van Dijk? He's got all the attributes mate by the looks of him. I'm not sure he'd be able to walk straight into a top 5/6 club and command a starting place but I'd be confident after a year or so he'd be established. It'd be only a case of how he deals with the pressure and the added money I'd imagine. Wanyama made that 'stepping stone' move to Southampton, I'd be very surprised if he's still there in a years time, that kid knows how to play, he's gonna be in a top 4 side in no time.
That's him. You've obviously watched him play more than me mate. I'm not a fan of Scottish footy. I'm just abit suprised he's 23 and still never had a full cap. Maybes he's getting overlooked cause he's playing in such a poor league? I heard prices quoted in excess of 9m when we were linked in Jan. After signing so many expensive flops, it seems abit risky.
That's a good point to be fair, but Van Gaal always had a way his team had to play, if he didn't fit the 'philosophy' nobody got a look in. Maybe his chance will come soon. Scotland-based players are usually pigeon-holed as not being tested I'd imagine, the league really is a shocking standard by comparison on the whole. If it's gonna be £9m I'd probably go for somebody more established this side of the border, if you can get him for closer to £6m I think you'd not only get a good player but you'd see a bit of sell on value once he'd stuck a couple of seasons under his belt, that'd be a rarity for you lot!
Aye 5-6m would be a more reasonable price if he's as highly rated as some reports say. Unfortunately while he's playing in Scotland, nobody will know for sure. If he was playing equally as well for the national team I'd say go for it, but he's had no caps since the U21's.
If he is of a respectable standard and we can get shot of Fletcher in that deal it would be good business IMO Obvious stumbling block is Fletcher's wages, but he only has a right to those for 1 more year
Only issue is trying to keep a secret about the new TV money, they're bound to have got wind of it, they poke their noses in everything them jock bastards! Inflated prices are going to be the norm this transfer window I reckon.
I will be happy to miss out on the Man City lad he has not looked up to it the few times I have seen him play, This Van Dyke looks very comfortable when I have seen him play on TV but he is a risk and Fletch and 3m max is what we should offer. Coates, Rodders,JOS and Santi does not look too bad a base to build on so we are not desperate and should cast our net wide to get the best value for money, I am sure Congerton will be working on it long term.
