Dedryck Boyata has joined Celtic on a four-year deal after flying to Glasgow this week to seal a move away from City after nine years with the English club. The fee is undisclosed.
Boyata becomes Celtic’s first signing of the window, and swaps places with Jason Denayer who is heading back down to Manchester after a loan spell in Scotland’s second city this season.
Over the last few years, Boyata has increasingly struggled for playing time but despite that signed a two-year deal with City at the end of last season (summer 2013), with many assuming that was to help fill out the quota of homegrown players. With many young English talents being linked with a move to the club during the summer, Boyata has been allowed to leave to pursue footballing interests elsewhere.
Dedryck Boyata’s father recently revealed on Belgian TV that he wouldn’t allow his son to sign for City again, and revealed a move (which we now know is to Celtic) was imminent. He almost certainly won’t go down with positive memories, but will be remembered by sections of the City support. He’ll just be glad to be back playing after a tough few years.
The 24-year-old Belgian has played a part in 36 games for City since his debut in 2010.
