Celtic confirm signing of Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata
Celtic have confirmed the signing of Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata. The Parkhead club issued a press release which revealed 24-year-old Belgium international will be presented at a media conference at Celtic Park at lunchtime. Boyata, who flew into Glasgow … Continue reading →

Celtic have confirmed the signing of Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata.

The Parkhead club issued a press release which revealed 24-year-old Belgium international will be presented at a media conference at Celtic Park at lunchtime.

Boyata, who flew into Glasgow on Sunday, is Celtic manager Ronny Deila's first summer signing.

He should replace fellow Belgian Jason Denayer, who was on loan from Manchester City, while Deila is keen to keep PFA Player of the Year nominee Virgil van Dijk.

Boyata, who has joined the Scottish Premiership champions on a four-year deal for a fee thought to be over £1million, is hoping to make the same positive impact as Denayer did at Parkhead last season.

He said: “I knew Jason when he came through the reserve team (at City).

“He is someone that I follow and I think he had a really good season last year

“Hopefully I am going to do the same thing, and have a similar season.

“I am really pleased to have a new challenge with a massive club. It was a big opportunity and I am really delighted.

“The reason I joined Celtic is they have a good plan for me.

“I spoke with the manager who came to Manchester to see me, and the plans he had for me were good.

“He told (me) he needed a centre back to replace Jason, who could play football, bring the ball from the back and win headers.

“Celtic are getting a strong defender who is quick and who has ability on the ball.”