Former Celtic recruitment chief Mark Lawwell has landed a senior scouting position at Chelsea, securing a significant new opportunity more than two years after leaving Celtic.

Lawwell has joined the Premier League club’s first-team scouting and recruitment department, where he will help identify potential signings for manager Xabi Alonso.

SunSport reports that the former Celtic official has already started work at Stamford Bridge, marking his return to frontline football following his exit from Glasgow in March 2024.

The appointment adds another major club to Lawwell’s CV, which already includes extensive experience with City Football Group and Celtic.

Lawwell is understood to have played an instrumental role in bringing Ange Postecoglou to Celtic in 2021, when the Australian was a relatively unknown figure to many Scottish football supporters.

The pair had developed a strong working relationship during their time at Yokohama F Marinos in Japan, where Postecoglou enjoyed considerable success.

That connection is understood to have been important as Celtic explored the possibility of appointing the Australian following Neil Lennon’s departure.

Postecoglou subsequently transformed Celtic’s fortunes, winning five major trophies across his two seasons in Glasgow before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.

Lawwell and Postecoglou are understood to have maintained their close relationship, which continues to this day.

Lawwell officially joined Celtic in May 2022 after spending a decade with City Football Group, where he rose to become head of scouting and recruitment.

His arrival strengthened Celtic’s recruitment operation during Postecoglou’s first spell in Scottish football.

During his time at Parkhead, Lawwell helped identify several players who went on to feature for the first team.

Alistair Johnston stands out among those additions, with the Canadian international establishing himself as an important member of Celtic’s defence following his arrival from CF Montréal.

Nicolas Kühn was another brilliant signing during Lawwell’s tenure, with the German winger going on to make a significant contribution at Parkhead.

Several players identified during Lawwell’s tenure made huge contributions, while recruitment decisions involved the wider football department rather than one individual.

His move to Chelsea now provides an opportunity to put his experience in international scouting and player identification to work at another major European club.

CeltsAreHere understands Chelsea’s head of scouting, Andy Cousins, is believed to have played an instrumental role in bringing Lawwell to Stamford Bridge.

The new position is believed to be senior scout, meaning he will form part of Chelsea’s wider scouting structure.

Having previously worked across several football markets through City Football Group, Lawwell brings experience of recruitment operations in both Europe and Asia.

His appointment comes ahead of the January transfer window, with the former Celtic chief now involved in identifying potential additions for his new employers.