Why signing Moses Odubajo would be a major gamble for Celtic

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that the Hoops are interested in signing Hull City defender Moses Odubajo. The 24-year-old has been out of action for the last two seasons after picking up a serious knee injury in 2016. Odubajo, who is a free agent, needs to get his career back on track. But would Celtic Park be the right place for him to do so?

Odubajo has linked up with Celtic on their pre-season training camp in Austria and is currently being assessed by Rodgers and his staff. Ex-Rangers boss Warburton, who signed Odubajo for Brentford from Leyton Orient in 2014, has backed the youngster to become “an outstanding signing for Celtic”.

The defender has made over 200 senior appearances in his career, featuring 93 times in League One, 87 times in the Championship, and has also played in the FA Cup, the EFL Trophy, the EFL Cup. A right-back, who can also play as a right midfielder, Odubajo has an eye for goal, with the former England Under-20 international netting 19 times, in addition to providing 30 assists.

After a brilliant season with Hull City in the 2015/16 campaign, which ended in a Championship play-off win against Sheffield Wednesday, Odubajo deserved to play in the Premier League. But he is yet to play in the English top-flight, owing to his knee injury. Scottish champions Celtic are now interested in signing him. But how big a gamble will it be for the Hoops?

Odubajo has been out of action for two seasons and the lengthy time on the sidelines might affect his fitness, his awareness and performances in general. However, Celtic are taking a cautious route by assessing him over a period of time before making any decision.

There is no denying the fact that a fit Odubajo would offer a lot to Celtic, who will want to make an impression in the Champions League next season. Although Rodgers’ team have managed to win the domestic treble for the past two seasons, their performances in Europe have been underwhelming.

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Until he suffered the horrific injury, Odubajo’s progress was impressive and maybe playing in a lesser demanding and physical league north of the border compared to the gruelling Premier League or the Championship would work in his favour. Celtic might just be the ideal club Odubajo needs to bounce back. And given he is a free agent, it wouldn’t represent a big risk for Celtic.