Celtic beat off competition from 'up to 24 clubs' to sign Chelsea attacker on 18-month loan deal

"For him to want to come to here and Chelsea very happily want him to come is a great coup for us as a football club."

Celtic beat off competition from 'up to 24 clubs' to sign Chelsea attacker on 18-month loan deal

Brendan Rodgers claims Celtic beat off competition from 24 other clubs to sign Chelsea attacker Charly Musonda.

The 21-year-old arrived in Glasgow on Monday morning to sign an 18-month loan deal with the Parkhead club following a medical.

The Belgium Under-21 player has made seven appearances for Chelsea this season since returning from a loan spell at Spanish side Real Betis.

Musonda is slated to go into the Hoops squad for the Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Hearts at Parkhead on Tuesday night.

"Subject to a medical today, it is a really exciting prospect for the club," the Celtic boss said.

"Charly is a big talent that I've known for a few years now.

"Firstly, if it all goes through, it is a big thank you for Chelsea because he is really one of the shining lights within the academy and has progressed through with various loans out and obviously has been part of the first team squad.

"I think there was something up to 24 clubs interested in taking Charly so for him to want to come to here and Chelsea very happily want him to come is a great coup for us as a football club.

"It is also a great opportunity for Charly to show his talent.

"He is a very exciting player, very dynamic, wonderful ability on the ball, works very hard, loves his football and he is a bright player.

"We have had a number of injuries to our creative players and he will add that creativity to that game and I am really excited to work with him."

Rodgers is confident that Musonda, who began his career at Anderlecht before moving to Stamford Bridge at the age of 16, has arrived in Scotland ready to get started immediately.

The former Swansea and Liverpool boss said: "He came on against Brighton and made a wonderful pass and set up the fourth goal.

"He is also a naturally fit boy as well.

"Everything has gone through today and we can hopefully make him available for tomorrow night and he can get up and running straight away."

Hearts ended Celtic's 69-game domestic unbeaten run with a 4-0 victory at Tynecastle in December but Rodgers has been pleased with how his side have responded.

The Northern Irishman said: "We deservedly lost on the day, that was pretty clear. Hearts coped with the conditions better than us and deserved the victory.

"But I liked judging a team in their response. We were always going to lose at some point and if you look at the reaction, we have played seven games, won six, drew one, and kept a clean sheet in all of them bar one, which was a penalty away at Partick Thistle.

"So it is a great testament to the players and their focus and mentality, and hopefully we will get another good result tomorrow."

more courts articles

Man admits killing Irish pensioner (87) on mobility scooter in London Man admits killing Irish pensioner (87) on mobility scooter in London
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court

More in this section

Ireland U15s finish fourth in Italian tournament following defeat to South Korea Ireland U15s finish fourth in Italian tournament following defeat to South Korea
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League - Semi Final - First Leg - Allianz Arena Toni Kroos proves the pass master yet again to point the way for Real Madrid
Manchester United v Fulham - Premier League - Old Trafford Man Utd interim chief executive Patrick Stewart and CFO Cliff Baty to leave club
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited