Speculation season is upon us Celtic They will have to navigate the next few weeks of the January transfer window, which officially opened for business last week.
The Hoops confirmed their first action of the month earlier this week, with central defender Stephen Welsh completing a short-term loan move to Belgian side Mechelen until the end of the season.
He only had it Appeared in one match in Scottish Premier League During the first half of the season and Brendan Rodgers He decided that there would be no need for a centre-back in the coming months.
The Scottish academy graduate is not the only Celtic player who could be on his way out of Parkhead before the end of the January transfer window, with a number of stars in a similar position to the one he was in.
Odin Thiago Holm falls into this category and is said to be on the list Edge step loan To MLS team LAFC until the end of the 2025 season.
Another Celtic player who could find himself playing for a new club come February is winger Luis Palma, who has been linked with a move away from Glasgow this month.
Latest news on Luis Palma's future with Celtic
Honduras International has only One game started In the Scottish Premiership so far this season, that has naturally led to speculation about his long-term future at Paradise.
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph It was recently reported that Spanish club Rayo Vallecano are interested in a deal to sign the former Aris star in the January transfer window.
The reporter claimed that the LaLiga side have already made an approach to snap up the left-winger, with a suggestion that he would initially join on loan with the option to make the deal permanent in the summer.
Joseph added that Celtic are reluctant to move on from Parkhead at the moment, but are also open to offers for his services, showing that he is not an outcast and that their position can be changed.
It now remains to be seen whether Rayo Vallecano's proposal is tempting enough for the Premier League champions to agree to an exit for the winger, who has featured in the Premier League. The club's last two league matches.
Move focus
Big money deals, controversial moves and big name flops. This is the home of Football FanCast transfer news and opinions.
Genoa and Olympiacos are also in play, Joseph reported earlier this month Interested in signing Palma, though, suggests there is no shortage of suitors for the 24-year-old and that competition for his signature could lead to an auction that increases the fee Celtic could receive.
However, the question for Rodgers and the Hoops board is whether the money on offer is enough to make up for what they stand to lose by letting him leave, and his performance over the past 12 months or so suggests that the Scottish giants will not be. Missing a lot.
Why should Celtic sell Luis Palma?
Whether it is an initial loan or a permanent deal straight away, Celtic should cash in on the Honduran striker because his form, simply put, has not been good enough to justify keeping him amid such intense interest from elsewhere.
Since the beginning of 2024, Palma He produced two goals and zero assists In 20 Premier League appearances for the Hoops, including not contributing a goal in seven league matches this season.
The ace was 24 years old He scored five goals He provided nine assists in 15 league matches for Celtic during the first half of the 2023/24 season, but his level since the beginning of the year that season was poor.
|
Luis Palma |
24/25 Premier League |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
7 |
|
It starts |
1 |
|
Objectives |
0 |
|
Helps |
0 |
|
It created great opportunities |
1 |
As you can see in the table above, Palma has provided very little for Rodgers on the pitch in the Premier League this season, with zero goal contributions and just one 'big chance' created for his teammates.
Before the January window, the Belgian outlet Antwerp newspapervia Daily logIt has been reported that Celtic target Michel Ange Palicuecha will be available for a fee of £7.5m, and the Antwerp winger could come in to replace the Honduran striker.
Why should Celtic sign Michel Ange Palicuesha?
The Hoops should swoop to sign the Belgian youngster this month as he could come as a big upgrade over Palma on Rodgers' left wing position.
The current Celtic striker, as previously mentioned, provided very little of interest last year, with him struggling at the top of the pitch, and Baliquicha could come in to offer more than him in the final third.
It wouldn't be a move without risks, as the 23-year-old star has struggled with injuries this season. He lost 21 matches With problems in the thigh and muscles.
Celtic could, in theory, use that to their advantage and look to negotiate a lower price with Antwerp, given his lengthy absence from the field this season, and then hope they can help him avoid any further fitness issues.
His form, when fit, during the 2023/24 season suggests that the potential is there for him to be a great addition to the squad if they can keep him fit.
|
23/24 Professional League |
Michelle ang balikwesha |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
33 |
|
It starts |
27 |
|
xG |
6.46 |
|
Objectives |
7 |
|
It created great opportunities |
6 |
|
Helps |
5 |
As you can see in the table above, Palekoisha was fit enough to make 33 league appearances last season, having also scored Ten goals in 42 Matches in all competitions in the previous season.
In those matches, the Hoops goal, which was once described as one of a number of “Incredible” young talents. By U23 scout Antonio Mango He showed his quality in the final third, scoring 13 goals and creating “big chances” together.
Although they are not outstanding, in terms of Nicholas Kone's statistics, Palicuecha is able to consistently contribute goal contributions, something Palma has not done for 13 months or so now.
Related to
Therefore, the Belgian star, who also has plenty of room to develop at the age of 23, could come as a major upgrade to the sought-after striker, by offering more quality and consistency at the top end of the pitch.
That's why Celtic must gamble on a deal for Palequisha and pounce on Dinamo Antwerp before the end of the transfer window, while allowing Palma to join one of the parties interested in signing him.
