Brendan Rodgers has addressed the future of Celtic winger Luis Palma, with the Honduran reportedly on the verge of a loan move to La Liga side Rayo Vallecano at the beginning of the week.
However, Vallecano, who were yesterday handed a ban for three transfer windows by FIFA until they pay off debts, having reportedly accumulated previous debts of £85,000.
Palma appeared set to fly to Spain this week for a loan deal for the rest of the season, with an option to buy.
It seemed like a great opportunity for a player who has struggled to find game time this season.
With personal setbacks over the last couple of months, it’s been a tough time for him personally.
Celtic supporters were hopeful that a move to the La Liga side could be exactly what he needs to reignite his career.
However, the ban on Vallecano is yet another setback in what has been a difficult period for the club, potentially jeopardising any deal for Palma.
Rodgers discussed the situation at his pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s Premiership clash against Dundee at Dens Park. When asked, ‘Is he back home for a few days? Is he back here now?’
He said: (Celtic FC YouTube Channel), “He’s back, yeah, he’s here now. So, yeah, it was just something that happened overnight, and I could see, I sensed with him the feeling, and then to sit in a coach three and a half hours, going up north probably wasn’t going to be the best thing for him.
“So, I just gave him the weekend, to be with his family, and then reset again after the weekend. So, he’s come back in, and it’s been a hard time for him, losing both grandparents, who were so close. He’s ready to go again, and he’ll be part of the squad tomorrow.”
Any Celtic supporter could not help but feel sorry for Palma, as losing both grandparents in such a short period of time is hard enough, never mind a failed move to Spain due to a transfer ban, which no one could have seen coming, even just two days ago.
However, the way in which Rodgers spoke about the situation shows that he has the deepest sympathies towards the Honduran winger, and if he does make the squad tonight, it will be because he is ready.
The Irishman decided to leave him out of the team for Saturday’s game against Ross County in Dingwall.
With Rodgers being a vastly experienced coach, he is well adept at dealing with most situations regarding players, but this is certainly one that most coaches won’t have encountered.
