Nigeria-eligible winger Josh Dede is reportedly close to joining Middlesbrough from Scottish club Celtic with the transfer pending medicals as the January transfer window draws nigh, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
As per Football Insider, Middlesbrough has secured a deal for a 19-year-old who can also play as a right-back after closely monitoring his progress.
While Dede never made a senior competitive appearance for Celtic, he debuted for their youth team at just 16. He has since become a mainstay for Celtic's B Team, trained with the senior squad, and participated in pre-season friendlies.
With his Celtic contract expiring at the end of the season, Dede will now continue his development at Middlesbrough. The transfer is expected to be finalized in the coming days.
This acquisition is considered a low-risk move for Middlesbrough, with any potential transfer fees structured around performance-based incentives.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola