KV Oostende confirm permanent option for Celtic loanee Jack Hendry

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Celtic have allowed Jack Hendry an exit route out of the club, sanctioning a season-long loan move to Belgian side KV Oostende for next term. 

The 25-year-old, who was most recently on loan at the Australian side Melbourne City, has now explained why he wanted to make the move to Belgium.

Speaking to the club’s official website he expressed his happiness to be at the club, highlighting their passion for bringing through young players and giving them a chance. 

“I am happy to be working here. Belgian football has evolved enormously in recent years with the national team as its equivalent. It is a competition where young players get opportunities and that certainly applies here in Ostend. The club has taken a new direction and fully pulls the cart of the youth. I already took a look at the stadium and the practice complex and the structure and accommodation is here to make it a good season.”

The KVO official report also detailed the fact that the Belgian side does have the option to make the move permanent next summer, should Hendry’s loan spell prove to be a success. 

The three-cap Scotland international cost Celtic a reported (BBC) £1.5 million in 2018. Brendan Rodgers was a huge fan, telling the Celtic Twitter account that Hendry could become a ‘top-class footballer’. However, Hendry has struggled to showcase his best form at Parkhead and has barely registered as a first-team player under Neil Lennon.

Even with Celtic slightly short at the back, following the departure of Jozo Simunovic, Hendry has been allowed to depart, which highlights his standing in the eyes of the Celtic boss. 

There is, therefore, no reason why Hendry cannot secure a permanent move to the Versluys Arena as long as he rediscovers some of the form that made Celtic buy him in the first place.