Luis Palma has opened up on his Celtic exit as he closes in on a move to Polish side Lech Poznan, with a loan deal including an option to buy nearing completion.
The Honduran winger is set to bring his time at the Hoops to an early end, just two years after arriving in Glasgow. Palma has travelled to Poland with the deal all but done, and he could make his debut as soon as next week in a Champions League qualifier against Breidablik.
Palma revealed it was his own decision to seek a fresh challenge after talks with Celtic, and while the Polish top flight is largely unfamiliar to him, he’s confident the move can reignite his club career.
Lech Poznan are under early scrutiny after a poor start to the new season, having lost the Polish Super Cup to Legia Warsaw before suffering a 4-1 home thrashing to Cracovia in their league opener.
He said: (TCW), “I am very happy with the move. I’m delighted to be joining my new club and it was all done very quickly.
“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.
“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 about the move, but I did so more as a friend.”
Palma showed promise during his time at Celtic but couldn’t find the consistency needed to hold down a regular place under Brendan Rodgers. He had some bright moments, including a well-taken goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but often found himself out of the starting line-up.
A move to Lech Poznan could give him the regular game time he’s been looking for and a chance to rebuild his form. The loan deal also gives the Polish side the option to make the move permanent if he impresses.
From Celtic’s point of view, the move clears space in the squad as Rodgers continues to make changes this summer. The Irishman is still reshaping his attacking options before the new season gets underway.
