The January transfer window has been officially open for almost two weeks already and Celtic they have yet to enter the market to recruit new reinforcements for their squad.
They have reported interest in Lazio striker Gustav IsaksenBrondby striker Mathias Kvistgaardenand Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeterwhich suggests that work is being done behind the scenes to improve the team.
However, there will also be players who will move from Parkhead. Stephen Welsh has already completed a short-term loan to Belgian Mechelen, and Luis Palma could soon follow him.
The Honduras international is reportedly closing in on a move away from the Scottish giants, which could become permanent in the summer window.
Why Celtic are right to move Luis Palma
Towards the Estadio DeportivoRayo Vallecano and Celtic have reached an agreement to send the winger on loan to the Spanish side until the end of the season, with an option to make the deal permanent for a fee of around £2m.
Brendan Rodgers have approved a transfer for the former Aris star and it seems to make sense for all parties involved, given his lack of time on the pitch this season.
Despite moments of quality, as shown in the clip above, last season Palma struggled to break into the team in Scottish Premiership this term, with seven appearances and one start in the division.
He now has the chance to get out and play regular football and Celtic have the chance to recoup some money for his services in the summer, should Rayo Vallecano decide to make a permanent move.
Once this deal for Palma goes through, the Hoops must also cash in ruthlessly on left-back Greg Taylor, who attracted interest this month.
Why Celtic should sell Greg Taylor
The Scottish international’s contract expires at the end of the season and it is said that wants Turkish Trabzonspor and a change awaits him in January by Dinamo Zagreb.
That means there are interested clubs at the table and a deal could be done if the Hoops are willing to negotiate, which could see them recoup some money for Taylor rather than losing him for nothing in the summer.
Allowing the Scottish left-back to leave this month would also allow current Barcelona left-back Alex Valle to step up and consistently show his quality.
|
24/25 Premiership |
Greg Taylor |
Alex Valle |
|---|---|---|
|
It starts |
15 |
7 |
|
Assists |
4 |
3 |
|
Key passes per match |
1.3 |
1.7 |
|
Adding accuracy |
87% |
88% |
As you can see in the table above, the Spaniard assisted more often as a starter than Taylor, while creating more chances per game on average.
Apparently they are also Celtic approaching an agreement for signing End-of-season free transfer and Arsenal outcast Kieran Tierney could be seen as an eventual long-term replacement for Taylor, while Valle can replace him in the short-term.
Therefore, Rodgers has options available without him 15 thousand pounds a week defender in the short and long term, which is why he should sanction a sale for a mullet this month.
But the Northern Irish boss has made it clear how much he values the full-back. He described Taylor as “wonderful” player and he criticized sections of the Celtic fan base for chanting about Tierney, suggesting it was disrespectful.
Connected
Rodgers clearly respects and likes what the defenseman brings to the group, but moving him now, with other options available and his contract situation, could be the right move.
