Republic of Ireland U21 international Jonathan Afolabi has signed for Dunfermline Athletic, joining the Scottish Championship side on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The striker only signed for Celtic last summer, joining on a free transfer from Southampton. He was highly sought after, drawing interest from English teams as well as a number of sides on the continent.
The pathway to first team football lured him to Glasgow, but things have not worked out for the player as of yet.
Afolabi was close to making the breakthrough last autumn, only for an injury to derail his progress. He has not been all that close to the first team picture since.
A loan move had been mooted in recent weeks, with Dunfermline confirming the switch this afternoon.
✍️ #DAFC are delighted to announce the loan signing of Jonathan Afolabi from @CelticFC until the end of the season.
➡️ https://t.co/5QhFrLDypY pic.twitter.com/eo599I9yiH— Dunfermline Athletic (@officialdafc) January 27, 2020
At 20-years old, Afolabi is at the stage in his career where he needs to be playing senior football. The move to Dunfermline should offer him the opportunity to do just that.
With a big year on the horizon for the Ireland U21s the striker will also be hoping to earn regular playing time under Stephen Kenny with his club form.
Dunfermline currently sit in fifth place in the Championship, needing a spot in the top four to secure a play-off place. Dundee United are currently the runaway leaders in the division.
He will join Celtic and international teammate Lee O'Connor in the division, who recently joined Partick Thistle on loan.
