Celtic have officially announced Auston Trusty as their second transfer deadline day signing.
Joining the club on an five-year deal for a reported fee of £6m , the left-sided centre-back becomes Brendan Rodgers' seventh signing of the window so far.
Following Viljami Sinisalo, Kasper Schmeichel, Paulo Bernardo, Adam Idah and Arne Engels on permanent deals – and Alex Valle who joins on a season-long loan from Barcelona – the 26-year-old could partner alongside his countryman Cameron Carter-Vickers in the heart of the Hoops defence.
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Rodgers said: “We are so pleased to sign Auston and he is a really welcome addition to our squad. "He is a quick, strong, athletic defender with great ability and good experience and a player who has done really well to make his way to the USA national squad.
A Trusty new option in defence... 💪 We are delighted to announce the signing of American International defender, Auston Trusty, on a five-year deal - subject to international clearance ✍🆕 Welcome to #CelticFC, @Auston_Trusty! 🍀🇺🇸
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 30, 2024
"We are really looking forward to working with Auston. I know he is really excited to be joining Celtic and looking forward to facing the challenges ahead and playing his part as we strive to bring our fans success once again.”
Trusty told Celtic TV: "I feel ecstatic. It’s just such an historic and amazing club, and it’s a club I’ve known about since I was a little kid. "Growing up in Philadelphia, football wasn’t such a popular sport but I knew Celtic, I knew who Celtic were. It’s a dream come true to join this club and such a massive organisation." The defender says that he has spoken with Brendan Rodgers and is excited to meet his new team-mates. He added: "The manager told me to be the best that I can be, that’s off the pitch, as a teammate and everything on the pitch.
"He said that he believes in me and believes in everything I can do, it’s up to me and he’ll provide me with the environment where I can thrive.
"I’m looking forward to meeting all the guys as well. From what I’ve heard it’s a great environment around the club too so I’m looking forward to it."