Luis Palma is not a bad player. He’s just not a Rodgers winger | OneFootball

It now appears the curtain may be falling – at least temporarily – on Luis Palma’s time at Celtic, with reports from Transfer Correspondent Pete O’Rourke today suggesting a loan move to Polish outfit Lech Poznań is on the cards…

Concacaf Gold Cup-Group Stage-Curacao at Honduras Jun 24, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Honduras forward Luis Palma (17) shoots and scores a goal against Curacao defender Joshua Brenet (20) in the second half during a group stage match of the 2025 Gold Cup at PayPal Park. San Jose PayPal Park California USA, Photo Stan Szeto

‘Understand Celtic’s out-of-favour winger Luis Palma is set to leave the club to join Polish side Lech Poznan on loan.’

On the face of it, it’s a move that frees up a wage, clears space in an overstocked but underperforming wide area, and potentially allows Brendan Rodgers to bring in the sort of winger his system actually demands. But it is also slightly odd turn of events.

Soccer: Concacaf Gold Cup-Group Stage-Curacao at Honduras Jun 24, 2025; San Jose, California, USA…Soccer: Concacaf Gold Cup-Group Stage-Curacao at Honduras Jun 24, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Honduras forward Luis Palma (17) celebrates after scoring against Curacao in the second half during a group stage match of the 2025 Gold Cup at PayPal Park. San Jose PayPal Park California USA,

The Honduras international arrived in 2023 to a fair bit of excitement. A technically sound winger with a decent eye for goal, he started brightly – a few well-taken strikes, moments of craft, and an infectious attitude. Palma, by all accounts, is a good lad.

Hard-working, humble, never once moaned about his situation even when sidelined. You want players like that in your squad – but only if they fit the system.

And this is where the problem lies. Brendan Rodgers demands intensity, speed, and incisiveness from his wide men. Palma has ability, no doubt, but he lacks the pace to get in behind and the quick decision-making to unlock stubborn defences under pressure. Too often, attacks broke down at his feet. Too many touches, the wrong pass, the shot that wasn’t on. He’s not a bad player – he’s just not a Rodgers winger.

Concacaf Gold Cup-Group Stage-Curacao at Honduras June 24, 2025 San Jose, California, USA Honduras forward Luis Palma 17 celebrates after scoring against Curacao in the second half during a group stage match of the 2025 Gold Cup at PayPal Park. San Jose PayPal Park California USA, Photo Stan Szeto

What makes this move intriguing is the destination. Palma was heavily linked with clubs in Mexico and the MLS – leagues where his technical strengths and less physically demanding styles of play might have seen him thrive. A switch to Poland, particularly Lech Poznań, feels left field. It’s a decent standard, but still a surprise.

From a Celtic perspective, it’s hard to argue with the logic

Still, from a Celtic perspective, it’s hard to argue with the logic. A loan move lightens the wage bill and – crucially – opens the door for the addition of a winger, or two, or three, who better fits the demands of the system. The Hoops have been crying out for someone who can stretch the pitch, beat a man, and provide consistent end product. If moving Palma out helps to bring that player in, it’s the right decision.

Luis Palma of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s third goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Aberdeen at Celtic Park Stadium on November 12, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

He came with hope, showed glimpses, but in the end, Luis Palma just wasn’t the right fit, so let’s hope this exit comes off soon, so Celtic can actually source some suitable fits for Brendan Rodgers system.

Niall J

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.

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