Why ‘unique situation’ forced Celtic player's permanent Deadline Day transfer exit to EFL club
The promising shot-stopper left the Hoops to sign for an English League One club late in the January window
Celtic goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi completed a late Deadline Day transfer to Leyton Orient on a permanent deal - with a club official explaining the “unique situation” that led the English League One side to sign TWO goalkeepers late in the window.
Orient displayed a strong interest in Oluwayemi yesterday and moved quickly to bring him south of the border, along with former Kilmarnock shot-stopper Will Dennis on loan from AFC Bournemouth to bolster their options between the sticks.
The 22-year-old had a short spell on loan at Kilmarnock during the first half of the season, making 12 appearances for the Premiership strugglers before heading to back Parkhead last month.
Killie were very complimentary of Oluwayemi during his time in Ayrshire, saying: “During his time with the club, Tobi proved to be an excellent addition to the squad both on and off the pitch, and quickly established himself as a popular and influential figure within the dressing room.
“Tobi’s professionalism, attitude and commitment were evident throughout his spell, and his contribution was greatly appreciated by players and staff.”
However, the London-born keeper - who has been on the Hoops’ books since 2019 after a stint in the Tottenham Hotspur youth system - has now been allowed to depart the Scottish champions as he looks to kickstart his career in the English third-tier.
During his time in Glasgow, the former England Under-20 cap gained senior experience during loan spells at Cork City, Admira Wacker in Austria and Dunfermline. But he remained well down the pecking order for a starting berth behind Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan.
The injury jinx that led to Tobi Oluwayemi’s permanent Celtic exit
Prior to his late arrival at Brisbane Road last night just hours before the 7pm English transfer deadline, Orient had already signed goalkeeper Dan Bachmann on loan from Deportivo La Coruna.
However, Bachmann suffered what has been described as a ‘freak accident’ in the warm-up prior to Orient’s 1-0 defeat to Port Vale at the weekend that led to young Irish goalkeeper Killian Cahill being thrown in at the last minute.
And with fellow new recruit Dennis also arriving with an underlying injury, Oluwayemi will now have the chance to stake his claim for the No.1 jersey after agreeing a contract that runs until the end of the season.
Speaking about the capture of Oluwayemi, Orient’s director of football Martin Ling told club’s official website: “It’s a unique situation what has happened this month; waiting for the right goalkeeper to replace Tommy with Dan and then him getting injured straight away.
“We’ve acted fast and believe that bringing in two goalkeepers and the added competition it brings will give us the best opportunity of succeeding in the second half of the season.”
Oluwayemi explains decision to quit Celtic on deadline day
Making the decision to leave Celtic on a permanent basis, having progressed up through the youth academy was not one Oluwayemi took lightly, but it was becoming clear that he was going to struggle to make a first-team breakthrough.
Now in with a greater chance of guaranteed senior football, Oluwayemi commented: “I’m really looking forward to getting started and meeting the lads. I’ve spoken to Matt Harrold a lot about the club and he had so many good things to say. I can’t wait to get out there.”
Orient boss Richie Wellens has challenge Oluwayemi to earn himself a longer-term deal, stating: “Tobi is someone we have watched a lot and, although he is young, he has a lot of mature qualities and experience for his age, and it’s up to him to earn himself longer contract.”