Celtic transfer target Mat Ryan has reportedly told former teammate Viktor Vasquez that he’s heading to Spain to join Real Sociedad.
Celtic were linked with a move for the Australian goalkeeper, who was part of Ange Postecoglou ’s Socceroos squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The former Valencia stopper is leaving Brighton on a free transfer in search of first-team football.
With Vasilis Barkas failing to live up to expectations so far and Scott Bain in and out with injuries, Postecoglou saw Ryan as an ideal addition between the sticks.
But a switch back to Spain rather than the Scottish Premiership became ever more likely as the weeks progressed.
And now Vasquez, who played alongside Ryan at Club Brugge in Belgium, has revealed that his close friend has confirmed to him he will sign for Sociedad after holidaying together in Los Angeles.
He told Mundo Deportivo : "Maty is super motivated, super happy and eager to fight Remiro for the position,"
"We had a very special connection from the beginning and my family and friends have adopted him. He has been one of the family, he has been with us on vacation, he has been at our house in Barcelona and at my parents' house.
“The time in Valencia left him with a very good taste in his mouth, even though he didn't play as much as he wanted. He has always been very attached to Spain, he loves its culture and its gastronomy.
“He is attracted to the League, the Real, fighting for the position and to win the Cup and the Europa League…he did not have these challenges at Brighton”
