With Celtic currently facing an injury crisis, reports in South America suggest that one man could be heading back to Glasgow’s east end
Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy looks on
Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy is reportedly considering bringing back winger Luis Palma from a loan spell at Lech Poznan early.
The Frenchman is set to take over the Scottish champions following the weekend’s clash with Hibs. The club’s Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale has been keen on bringing in Nancy – and the ‘football doctor’ will be charged with adding the required players for Dermot Desmond‘s top target and they look set to finally get their man. Martin O’Neill has held down the fort on an interim basis alongside Shaun Maloney since the departure of Brendan Rodgers.
The Irishman is set to take charge of his final game of his second spell in the Parkhead dugout against Hibs this weekend. That will clear a path for Nancy to step into the role – and he will be hoping Tisdale, Desmond and the board back him in January.
But with Celtic currently facing an injury crisis, reports in Honduras suggest that Palma could be heading back to Glasgow’s east end. Oncenoticas claim that Palma’s ‘situation has changed following the departure of Rodgers.
They report that Nancy has left the “option open” as he prepares to evaluate a squad in dire need of firepower. The 26-year-old has been a regular in the Polish top flight and Conference League so far this season – netting six times and earning a recall to the Honduras squad.
Following the move, Palma conceded he only left the Scottish champions to ramp up his minutes:“I spoke with Celtic and it was my decision to look elsewhere. I don’t know too much about the Polish League, except that it’s a good league, with big stadiums and big clubs.”
Luis Palma of Lech in action
“I am going to learn a lot about football there. My goal is to play as much as possible and make a good impression.
“I spoke to Reinaldo Rueda (Honduras boss) about the move, but I did so more as a friend.”
A return at some stage looks increasingly likely with Poznan reportedly holding an option to buy at around £3.5 million. That would mean the club smashing their previous record, which stands a £2million.
With Johnny Kenny and KelechI Iheanacho the only fit first-team strikers, Nancy will also be eyeing more firepower.
Palestine striker Wessam Abou Ali has been linked with following the 48-year-old from Columbus to Celtic Park.
He only arrived in Columbus last January and Celtic may need to up the £6m Crew paid to Al Ahly for him.
Bold report that the Hoops will have to “dig deep into their pockets” to sign the forward, due to the former Denmark youth international holding a contract until 2027 with the option of another year.