Luis Palma’s time at Celtic is approaching its natural conclusion, with the winger expected to move on following a season that never quite got going in Glasgow. After a promising start in the Hoops, Palma found himself slipping down the pecking order and out of Brendan Rodgers’ plans.
Brought in for £3.5 million from Aris Thessaloniki in 2023, the Honduran made an instant impact. His first few months saw him contribute goals and assists at a healthy rate, adding directness and flair on the left wing. But as the campaign progressed, his involvement tailed off significantly.
Palma was shipped out on loan to Olympiacos for the majority of last season. Despite flashes of his ability, the Greek club declined the opportunity to sign him permanently, meaning he will return to Celtic this summer, likely only temporarily, as a transfer looks to be on the cards.
At 25, Palma still has plenty to offer elsewhere, but his affection for Celtic has remained constant throughout. Even with limited game time and a loan spell abroad, he has never spoken with anything but pride about his connection to the club.
He said: (La Prensa), “I’m not going to lie to you, as a kid, you always want to play to be happy, for fun.
“There was a time when I could see football as a job, but if you ask me if I ever saw myself playing in the Champions League, I can tell you yes.
“Because one day I was watching a Celtic game, where Emilio Izaguirre was playing at the time. I was at home with my parents and I told my mum, one day I’m going to be there.
“Just like life, ten years later, eight years later, I was already playing for Celtic, making my Champions League debut and scoring a goal. I was able to fulfil the childhood dream I always had.”
Palma’s comments show just how much Celtic meant to him, even before he signed for the club. He looked up to fellow Honduran Emilio Izaguirre and promised himself as a boy that one day, he would wear the Hoops and play in the Champions League. That wasn’t just a dream, it was something he believed he would do, and he made it happen.
In football, it’s not often that feelings and personal dreams matter more than what happens on the pitch. But for Palma, simply getting to Celtic and living out that moment was a big win. He might not have become a regular starter or a star player, but he still achieved something that meant everything to him.
Celtic are expected to make changes this summer as Brendan Rodgers shapes his squad for the season ahead. Palma looks likely to be one of the players moving on, with first-team opportunities limited and no permanent move from Olympiacos.
Wherever he ends up next, Palma will always have the memory of playing for the club he admired as a boy. His time at Celtic may have been short, but it gave him a moment he’ll carry with him for the rest of his career.
