Celtic winger Luis Palma appears to be heading for the exit door, with Genoa manager Patrick Vieira reportedly keen to secure the Honduran’s signature.
The 24-year-old has struggled for regular first-team football at Parkhead since joining in the summer of 2023, and competition for his position has made his departure increasingly likely.
According to Italian outlet Genova Today, Vieira sees Palma as an ideal reinforcement for Genoa’s left flank. The Serie A club is not alone in their pursuit, however, with Olympiacos in Greece and MLS sides Atlanta United and Orlando City also expressing interest.
The report indicates that Genoa may be prepared to make a move during the January transfer window as Vieira seeks to strengthen his squad.
Signed for £3.5m from Aris Thessaloniki in the summer of 2023, Palma arrived at Celtic with high expectations. However, his impact has been minimal, with the player failing to establish himself under either Brendan Rodgers.
The presence of established wingers such as Daizen Maeda, Hyunjun Yang, Nicolas Kuhn, and James Forrest has limited Palma’s opportunities, leaving him on the periphery of the squad. Even with James Forrest’s injury, which has seen him come back into the matchday squad, he’s not been given valuable minutes.
Celtic are open to letting Palma leave, ideally recouping the majority of their initial investment. With the player struggling to adapt to life in Scotland, a fresh start in Serie A or MLS could provide him with the opportunity to reignite his career.
Palma’s departure now seems inevitable, with the January transfer window presenting an ideal time for Celtic to cut their losses and for the player to find a new challenge. Genoa’s interest could lead to a swift resolution, particularly if Vieira sees Palma as a key target.
A move to Italy, Greece, or the United States could provide the 24-year-old with a chance to rediscover the form that initially caught Celtic’s eye. For the Hoops, his departure would free up squad space and potentially generate funds for reinvestment in another winger, which is on Brendan Rodgers’ shopping list this January.
Luis Palma’s stint at Celtic may not have gone to plan, but a fresh start could benefit both the player and the club as they look to move forward in 2025.
