Former St. Kevins Boy's FC Armstrong Okoflex has left Premier League club Arsenal to join Scottish Champions Celtic, the club confirmed today.
The 16-year-old has signed a three-year deal after positive discussions with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers. He has played under-15 international soccer for both Ireland and England and won the Victory Shield with Ireland last year, which included an excellent goal against Scotland.
Speaking to the Celtic website, Okoflex said he had high aspirations.
My personal target it to make my debut before I turn 17. I’m trying to aim high. “I had a meeting with Brendan Rodgers and he was very convincing. He’s a great manager with all the success he’s had at previous clubs and at Celtic, and he was one of the big factors in coming here.
The manager told me about Raheem Sterling, how he was a young teenager at Liverpool and then he brought him up in pre-season and, because he was doing well and better than the older wingers at the club, he played him in the league games. It shows he’ll play young players and that’s encouraging for me.
When announcing the deal, Celtic FC described him as 'England youth internationalist.' Last year, he told the Irish Times he feels a closer connection to Ireland.
Ireland is where I’m from but England is financially better and the grounds are amazing. I enjoy playing with both but obviously I’m Irish so I feel the connection with them.
However, he has featured recently for England underage as well.
The deal comes amidst the departure of Moussa Dembele, who moved to Lyon for a fee in the region of €22 million.
