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Scottish champions Celtic have announced the signing of Manchester United youngster Saidy Janko on a four-year contract, subject to a successful medical. The youngster, who is Celtic’s second signing of the summer, arrives in Scotland after spending an impressive season on loan at Championship side Bolton under the management of former Celtic boss Neil Lennon.
Janko, who’s capable of operating as a right back as well as a right-sided midfielder, was in talks with the Scottish champions for the past two weeks and his signing will come as a huge boost to Celtic who are preparing to kick off their Champions League qualifying campaign.
The Swiss Under-19 international’s arrival could spell the end of Adam Matthews’ time at Celtic, with a host of Premier League clubs interested in the Welshman’s signature.
Janko, who was signed by former United manager David Moyes on deadline day, was highly thought of at Old Trafford and was even the recipient of the prestigious Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year award, but made just one senior appearance for United during the 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Leicester City in the League Cup before being farmed out on loan.
The player himself spoke about his delight on joining Celtic and was quoted as saying: "I'm looking forward to the atmosphere and the fans hopefully on a Champions League night or even league days. Even players like Messi and Xavi dream about the atmosphere at Celtic Park so I'm looking forward to that.”
"I was quite happy to stay at Manchester United, but Celtic is hard to resist.”
"Celtic is a massive club in Europe. I think all over the world people know Celtic, people know the supporters. They have a big stadium too, it's huge.The Champions League is every kid's dream and it is definitely a plus I think."
However, Janko stated that Manchester United was a difficult place to leave, but the lure of first team football and the chance at further development as a player was too hard to resist.
"Manchester United is a big club too and I had a great time there," he said. "But I thought I needed a new challenge and here I am.
"United is definitely a hard place to leave because it's one of the biggest clubs in the world. But it's hard to leave any place, not just United.”
"Am I right to fight for a place here at Celtic now? Yeah definitely, that's what I'm here to do. To get more game time. If I push more, my other team-mates will push more and the whole level gets better. That's good for the whole team.
"I have recently played more in midfield but the manager told me he sees me more as a right-back than a right midfield."
The youngster may very well get his taste of first team action sooner than he thinks, with the Scottish champions ready to kickstart their Champions League qualifying campaign.
