Urhoghide: Moves To Oostende Because Of Philosophy For Young Players

New arrival at K.V. Oostende of Belgium, Osaze Urhoghide has disclosed that the biggest reason he accepted an offer from the mid-class is because he is fascinated by their philosophy in developing young players.

Megasportsarena.com reports that Urhoghide made the confession few hours after signing the dotted lines for the deal that will keep him at KVO on loan for the remainder of this season.

It could, therefore, be a turnaround for the 21-year-old central defender, who spent formative years of his career as a footballer with the youth teams of CB Hounslow United and Wimbledon in England.

Although he made his UEFA Europa League debut against Real Betis of Spain in December and impressed at right-back, he has been starved of playing opportunities since he landed at Celtic of Scotland from Sheffield Wednesday last July.

He was included in 17 matchday squads without being utilized off the bench by Celtics’ coach, Ange Postecoglou, hence his aspirations for a change of scene in search of better fortunes elsewhere.

Many clubs explored the possibility of signing him on a permanent basis but Celtic turned down the offers and have sanctioned a loan deal with Oostende without an option to buy at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Hellas Verona of Italy were also interested in signing Urhoghide but Oostende, became the choice spot for the lad, who was in the Olympic Eagles’ camp before a 2019 Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

Urhoghide, who will now don jersey number five with the former club of Kayode Keshinro, said: “I’m a defender who doesn’t shy away from duels.

“I like hard defense and I always give 100% for the colors of my club. At an absolute top club like Celtic, it is no easy task to become a basic player as a young player.

“I learned a lot every week during training, but now it was time for me to also make effective playing minutes. That is also the reason why I chose KVO.

“This club has a philosophy to give young players opportunities and make them better and that sounds like music to my ears. I hope to be able to play my first minutes here soon.”