Celtic announced the signing of the attacker just after the deadline.
Celtic have announced the signing of Joel Mvuka from Ligue 1 outfit Lorient, after sealing a deal an hour beyond the transfer deadline.
The 23-year-old Norwegian was reported to have his issues with his medical, according to reports in France. However, the club was able to renegotiate a deal that sees him arrive on loan until the end of the season at Parkhead, becoming the Hoops’ fifth signing of the window.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has added to his squad on deadline day.placeholder image
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has added to his squad on deadline day. | SNS Group
After leapfrogging Rangers in the table following their 2-0 win over Falkirk on Sunday, manager Martin O’Neill confirmed the club closing in on a deal for the former Bodo/Glimt player, saying: “I think there's a little bit of pace with the young lad [Mvuka] from Lorient. So it'll just give us a couple of options as much as anything else.”
Mvuka began his career in the Norwegian second division with Asane as a teenager, before he was snapped up by Bodo/Glimt in the summer of 2021. During his time with Kjetil Knutsen’s side, he was handed comparisons to Luis Sinisterra, with Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout saying that his pace, acceleration, and technique was similar to that of the £21million former Leeds United signing.
Following the confirmation of his transfer to Celtic, the attacker spoke of his excitement at signing for the Scottish champions, telling the club’s official website: “It feels really good to finally be here. The thing that sits in my mind from playing at Celtic Park was before the game when the fans were singing You’ll Never Walk Alone, and I thought ‘Wow!'
“I was a team-mate of Sebastian Tounekti’s at Bodø/Glimt and I know him very well so I can’t wait to finally see him again. I’m a fast winger, I can play left or right, and I’m good with the ball, and I can’t wait to get started.”
O’Neill added: “Joel is a talented player who has a very good level of experience achieved at some really good clubs. He will give the squad another option, he is very quick, able to play on both wings and I am sure he will make a very positive contribution to the club.
"I know he is very excited about joining Celtic and we are hoping he can make a great impact for us.”