U-21 Standout signs for Blackburn, Celtic pipped

Celtic have been beaten out to the signature of Maceo Rigters, the top scorer in June’s U-21 Championship. Blackburn Rovers have signed the talented striker from NAC Breda for an undisclosed fee.

The young Dutchman has signed a four-year deal at Ewood Park. Rigters had been linked with a host of British clubs, including Newcastle, Celtic, Rangers, Aston Villa and Norwich.

“The Dutch lad is someone that Mark Hughes likes. I know that he admires him a lot” - Blackburn chairman John Williams

Rigters agent was so close to linking up with Celtic that he was planning to fly into Glasgow today to tie up a move. Rigters himself was due to travel to Glasgow to finalize the deal with Celtic on Tuesday. It was virtually a done deal until Blackburn moved in with a late offer which bested all comers. Rigters had a 400,000 pound buyout clause in his contract which was activated by Blackburn, it’s thought that they paid significantly over that price though, probably in the range of 600k.