Stoke City in pole position to sign Celtic's Bosun Lawal | OneFootball

The Potters have edged in front in the race for Bosun Lawal's signature

Stoke City are set to sign Celtic youngster Bosun Lawal as Steven Schumacher aims to bolster his midfield ranks ahead of the new season.

That is according to a report from Football Scotland, who state that Lawal is scheduled to undergo a medical with the Potters this afternoon, and sign a three-year deal for an initial £2m, which could increase to near the £3m mark with potential add-ons.

It is understood that the fee tabled by Steven Schumacher's side was too good to turn down for Celtic, and so the 21-year-old is being allowed to leave for the Championship outfit, despite a strong pre-season in Brendan Rodgers' first-team.

Stoke have previously been linked to Lawal by Football Insider, who last reported in July that the Potters had registered their interest in his signature alongside Bournemouth, and it now seems as if they have stolen a march on their competitors and are set to get their man.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international has made just one appearance for the Bhoys' first team since joining from Watford in 2021, but did enjoy a successful loan spell at Fleetwood Town in League One last season.

The 21-year-old will become Stoke's fifth summer signing if he does move to the Potteries, following Viktor Johansson, Ben Gibson, Eric Bocat and Sam Gallagher through the door at Clayton Wood.

Bosun Lawal's career so far

Lawal is a defensive midfielder by trade, but has also shown his versatility by turning out in a more box-to-box midfield role, as well as at centre-back and right-back in his short career so far - a trait that will stand out to Steven Schumacher as he seeks to add some much-needed depth to his City squad.

He began his football career playing for youth sides in his native Ireland, then joined Premier League side Watford in 2019, and was named Academy Player of the Year for the 2020/21 season, following some impressive performances for the Hornets' under-18 side.

Having rejected a contract offer from Watford, Lawal made the move to Celtic in July 2021, and was initially assigned to the club's B team before making his senior debut in January 2023 in the Scottish Cup.

He signed a new three-year deal at Parkhead last summer and joined League One side Fleetwood, managed by Celtic legend Scott Brown, that same day as he headed out on loan for the first time to gain vital experience.

Lawal shone at Highbury as he registered six goals and two assists in 46 games in all competitions, but could not help the Fishermen avoid relegation to the fourth-tier as Brown was sacked and replaced by former Stoke man Charlie Adam in December.

It was believed that Lawal may have staked a claim to be considered for the Celtic first-team by boss Brendan Rodgers for the 2024/25 campaign, after he stated in July that he "really (liked) Bosun," and that he "has that power and quality to break through," but it now seems as if he will depart the Glasgow giants to move south of the Scottish border for good.

Lawal is just what Stoke need

There are lots of moving parts regarding different incomings and outgoings at Stoke as it stands, and it will provide a huge boost to Steven Schumacher's side if they can get Lawal's signature over the line soon.

He will add tenacity and power to a Stoke midfield that could be lacking this season if certain players make way before the transfer window slams shut, and gives the Potters a versatile option to cover multiple different positions.

Club captain Josh Laurent has been strongly linked with a move away from the club throughout the summer, and Lawal's arrival may prompt Stoke to allow him to leave, as both players are relatively similar in play-style and position on the pitch.

Lewis Baker is another in Schumacher's midfield that is seemingly set to be on his way out, and if not Laurent, he could be the enforcer to make way in the coming weeks as a result of Lawal joining.

Given the fee paid, and his potential, the 21-year-old will no doubt slot straight into the Potters' midfield if he signs, and could even make his debut in the season's opener against Coventry City on August 10 if he is registered with the EFL in time.