Celtic have announced the departure of Jack Aitchison to Barnsley.
In 2016 he became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer, netting against Motherwell in a 7-0 rout that is remembered as Ronny Deila’s farewell match.
The following season he made three substitute appearances with the Invincibles but with virtually no competitive football under first team level he was denied the opportunity to develop from a highly promising career coming through the youth ranks.
Loan spells with part-timers at Dumbarton and Alloa did nothing for his career with the odds stacked against him when he moved on loan to Forest Green Rovers last season.
Jonathan Afolabi was brought in by Celtic last season with Cameron Harper being listed as a substitute for the first team this season.
Aitchison’s departure highlights the problems facing Celtic with no real outlet for players to develop and progress beyond u-17 or u-18 football.
Celtic currently have players out on loan at Dundee, Dunfermline, Tranmere Rovers, Cove Rangers and Ross County.
Jack Aitchison has joined @BarnsleyFC on a three-year deal.
Everyone at #CelticFC wishes @JackAitchison7 every success during his time at Barnsley ?
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 5, 2020
Mental that goal against Motherwell was nearly 4 and a half year ago. Shame he hasn’t kicked on (or had the chance to).
— mh (@_MH_67) October 5, 2020
Never given a chance and we have brought in some garbage and played them before him. All the best to the young lad, go prove Celtic wrong.
— Allan McNelis (@Nelly1682) October 5, 2020
Just too many good strikers at the club the now, Jack. Go burst them down there, son. ???
— CC (@celticchampionz) October 5, 2020
Don’t agree with this one, boys a player. Best of luck
— P E T E R (@peteyhughes95) October 5, 2020
Buy back clause? If not seems like awful bit of business.
— BFB (@BhoyFromBrum) October 5, 2020
