After almost a decade at Celtic Lenny Agbaire has joined Rotherham United on a three year contract.
The defender made 16 appearances on loan at Ayr United last season on top of turning out for Celtic in 19 Lowland League matches and six appearances in the UEFA Youth League.
Agbaire’s career path highlights the issues facing Celtic with progress from the club Academy into the first team virtually at a halt.
Since the club entered the Lowland League in 2021 only Owen Moffat with a solitary appearance has progressed through to start a match in the SPFL Premiership.
Agbaire was involved in Celtic’s first team pre-season friendlies last season but is now a Rotherham player as their club website announced:
Rotherham United are delighted to confirm the signing of young and exciting defender Lenny Agbaire who joins for an undisclosed fee from Celtic, subject to EFL and FA ratification and international clearance.
The 20-year-old defender arrives at AESSEAL New York Stadium on a deal until the summer of 2028 to bolster Matt Hamshaw’s defensive options.
Agbaire makes the trip south of the Scottish border for the first time in his career, having been a part of the Celtic youth system for close to a decade since the age of 10, joining in August 2015.
He worked his way into the Celtic B side, where he became a regular in the squad and played a key role in helping the side lift the Scottish FA Youth Cup.
His impressive displays at youth level earned him a loan move to Scottish Championship side Ayr United where he made 16 appearances from January 2025 onwards and helped the side reach the Scottish Championship Play-offs.
Agbaire has had the opportunity to meet his new teammates at Roundwood but has been unable to feature in training as of yet, with the club awaiting the receipt of relevant permissions and clearances which have now been granted.
Paperwork has been completed in time for Matt Hamshaw’s latest addition to feature in this evening’s friendly fixture against Harrogate Town, where Millers fans will have a first opportunity to potentially see the newest summer recruit in action.
Celtic’s B team get their season underway next Friday when they host Broxburn Athletic in the Lowland League.
Scottish football eh? Expects the b teams to advance by playing Broxburn etc. If it wasn’t like so messed up already and someone proposed such they’d be laughed at. It’s no wonder promising ones often walk and so few come through (I do know there are other reasons especially in house but the set up ?)
Also, what a depressing transfer window this far. Can’t see BR re signing with support like this. Even the big boost of KT has downsides like cover.
Another Lenny jettisoned from Celtic FC then !
Did my Guardian post get spiked Editor ?