Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has been singing the praises of 19-year-old midfielder Kundai Benyu following his move to the club.
Celtic confirmed on both their Twitter and their website that the youngster would be joining them on a four-year deal from Championship side Ipswich Town from July 1, and he will do so as a free agent due to his contract expiring with the Tractor Boys.
? #BenyuisaCelt!@kundaibenyu_ has agreed a four-year contract with #CelticFC. He will join the Club from July 1st. pic.twitter.com/nl489V8iMC
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 29, 2017
Due to his age, The Hoops will have to pay compensation to the English club, but they have reportedly capitalised on a detail which will see them pay a much smaller amount in comparison to English sides due to being north of the border.
The club managed to pull off the same trick when securing the services of Moussa Dembele last summer, and fans will be hoping that Benyu will be able to have the same immediate impact.
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers, who is leading his side in their pre-season training camp in Austria, believes that Benyu’s signing will be a boost to the depth of talent in his squad.
Speaking of his latest addition to his squad, the 44-year-old told the Scottish Sun: “It will give us great power and strength as well as quality.”
He also described the youngster as “highly gifted and talented.”
Meanwhile the player has spoken out about the pride he had for signing for Celtic, and said he felt he would improve as a footballer under the tutelage of his new manager.
He told the club’s official website: “It’s a massive honour to sign for the Scottish champions and one of the world’s truly great clubs.
“It’s also a great opportunity for me to continue to develop as a footballer under Brendan Rodgers.”
Benyu spent last season on loan at non-league side Aldershot but impressed enough to secure a move to Celtic, with the likes of Premier League sides West Ham and Tottenham having also reportedly been interested in his signature.
He scored five times and chipped in with three assists during his 23 appearances for the Shots, and is the second arrival this summer at Celtic Park after the signing of Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes.