Sheffield Wednesday confirmed promising youngster Liam Shaw’s move to Scottish giants Celtic yesterday.
The 19-year-old, a midfielder who came through the club’s academy, will move on a free transfer and has agreed a pre-contract agreement.
After making his first-team debut last season, Shaw has made 18 appearances this season, scoring against Middlesbrough on 29th December.
In a statement published on Twitter, Shaw said: “After discussing the options with my family, I’ve decided to take on a new challenge,” he said. “In the end, I based my decision purely on the football aspects.
“Sheffield Wednesday is a massive and brilliant club. They will always be special for me as I grew up a fan and nothing can change that for me.
“I’m determined to play at the highest level I can possibly achieve in my career. I thank Celtic for this amazing opportunity, which is impossible for me to turn down.”
The move is another blow to the Yorkshire club, who remain 23rd in the Championship and stuck in a fight against relegation, with some fans experessing their disappointment.
Wednesday supporter Vinny Lowdon said: “In a sense, I’m surprised he left so soon. I thought he would have had another season before moving to Celtic. The interest came out of nowhere really.
“Shaw leaving so soon tells you everything you need to know about what’s going on behind the scenes at S6. The club is rotten from top to bottom with [club owner] Dejphon Chansiri in charge.
“As the club’s debts spiral, I think the criticism of his departure is unfair. He’s doing what most people in his situation would do to further his career and progress. I don’t think it will be long before he’s in the Premier League.”
Wednesday have announced that they were disappointed by the manner of the approach by the Scottish club and will launch an investigation into the transfer.