Hertha Berlin have confirmed the signing of Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata on a “long-term contract”.
The long-serving 28-year-old – who moved north of the border from Manchester City for £1.8million back in 2015 – made 32 of his 135 appearances for the club this season, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
The Bundesliga side announced the signing on their official Twitter page and, speaking to the club’s website, Boyata said that he was excited to begin the new chapter in his career.
Hertha have their first signing for next season! ??
Belgium international, Dedryck #Boyata, will play for us in the 2019/20 campaign! ??#hahohe pic.twitter.com/N1QZpSkcnv
— Hertha BSC (EN) (@HerthaBSC_EN) May 19, 2019
“I am pleased that the deal has worked out,” the Belgian international said. “It is an ambitious club and we have similar goals.
“Also, I was very impressed with Michael Preetz’ efforts to bring me here. I am looking forward to the new season and want to achieve something with the club.”
OPINION
This is one transfer rumour that had been bubbling for a while and now that it has been confirmed, Celtic have an opportunity to fill the gap left by Boyata. He has been a great servant to the Hoops since he arrived from Manchester City back in 2015, but he now feels the time is right for a new challenge. Overall, Boyata made 135 appearances for Celtic in his time with the club, chipping in with 15 goals and laying on nine others for teammates. But there is now an opportunity for Celtic to get someone in to replace the centre-back, and it will be interesting to see if they do indeed choose to do that. It could all depend on whether Neil Lennon stays or goes at the end of the season; if he stays, it is likely he will have targets in mind to get in, but if he leaves there may be no-one coming in to replace him.