Former Celtic target gets big-money switch to Mexico with Cruz Azul

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The Celtic Star

·26 gennaio 2025

Former Celtic target gets big-money switch to Mexico with Cruz Azul

A former Celtic target has been the subject of a big-money switch to Mexico with Cruz Azul…

Mateusz Bogusz of Los Angeles FC controls the ball against Paul Marie #3 of San Jose Earthquakes in the first half at BMO Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Polish midfielder, Mateusz Bogusz, had reportedly been in the crosshairs of Brendan Rodgers and last summer transfer window and he was one of the names put forward as a potential replacement for the outgoing Matt O’Riley.

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O’Riley was courted all pre-season by numerous clubs and Atletico Madrid had previously been denied the player after a derisory offer. Italian foes Atalanta – who the Hoops faced in the Champions League group stages this year – also slapped a couple of bids on the table for the former MK Dons man’s services but it wasn’t enough for the Parkhead heirarchy to sanction a move.

That changed through, when Brighton and Hove Albion came in and hit the magic, record-breaking figure that was required by the Celts to part ways with the midfield technician. After that, Matt became the latest and greatest export from the Scottish Premiership Champions and we took the cash, thanked him for his time and moved on to new targets.

Mateusz Bogusz of the Los Angeles FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring against the Seattle Sounders at BMO Stadium on February 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Attacking-midfielder Bogusz had been one that we’d thought could come in and replace the goals that O’Riley had given the team, with his goal-scoring exploits in the USA well-documented at the time. However, when it became clear that Los Angeles FC wanted upwards of £8 million then it hit a red light. We moved on to other targets we had and have been doing really well even without Matt O’Riley or Mateusz Bogusz.

The man who strongly touted for a move to Celtic Park has now completed a major move in his career and one that stands out in the MLS. Azul have agreed to pay upwards of $10 million (£8 million) for the 23-year-old who has bagged 20 goals and 48 games for the team from California, and it is a signifier of how much the American league is growing in stature with an ability to develop young talents.

Paul Gillespie

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