Oostende have admitted that they can’t afford to match Osaze Urhoghide’s Celtic wages.
The defender made seven appearances in the Jupiler League with Oostende keen to have him back again next season.
An option to buy was included in the loan deal between the two clubs but it seems that the contract Celtic gave Urhoghide last July is too rich for the Belgian club to match.
Speaking to The Sun, Oostende CEO Gauthier Ganaye said:
Urhoghide has proved to be an excellent addition, but the problem is he is still too expensive for us.
But I hope we can work out a solution with Celtic, then I would be very happy because we really want to keep Osaze.
If Oostende aren’t prepared to match the defender’s terms it seems likely that the former Sheffield Wednesday man will be back at Celtic for pre-season training.
Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers are Ange Postecoglou’s preferred option in central defence but there is no guarantees that the USA international will be back at Celtic. Ironically Carter-Vickers is in a similar situation to Urhoghide after a successful loan spell from Spurs.
A Celtic first team place looks unlikely for the 21-year-old Dutchman but the same was being said for Tony Ralston a year ago, after defying the odds Ralston is in the Scotland squad for tomorrow’s World Cup play-off against Ukraine.
CLICK HERE for Urhoghide’s record with Oostende.
