Justin Osagie, a former Celtic academy player, has joined Peterborough United on a one-year contract in search of more consistent playing time. The 17-year-old defender impressed during his trial with the League One club, marking a new phase in his career after spending two years at Celtic and previously being part of West Ham’s youth system.
Osagie’s departure highlights ongoing issues within Celtic’s development framework. The Lowland League, where Celtic’s B team competes, often falls short in adequately preparing young players for the demands of first-team football. As a result, aspiring players may find themselves looking to England’s lower leagues for more competitive opportunities, despite it seeming like a step down.
Joining Celtic in September 2022, Osagie quickly earned a call-up to Ireland’s U19 squad, showcasing his potential. Over the past season, he made 21 appearances for Celtic B, but both parties decided to part ways over the summer.
Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson expressed optimism about Osagie’s abilities, noting that the club had monitored him for some time. Although central defense wasn’t a priority at first, Osagie’s skills were hard to overlook. Ferguson praised him as “quick, aggressive, and very good on the ball” and highlighted his positive attitude. Osagie will begin with the U21 team but is expected to train regularly with the first team.
For Celtic, Osagie’s exit emphasizes the challenges within their academy and B team structure, revealing a widening gap between the Lowland League and the first team. Until clearer pathways for player development are established, young talents like Osagie may continue seeking competitive opportunities elsewhere to advance their careers.
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