A transfer exit had looked almost certain for one of Celtic’s forgotten players even up until a few hours back. But in a swift about turn, now it appears that that move is unlikely to happen in what would be a blow to the club’s hopes of moving him on, as there is very little chance of the player making an impact in the first-team next season under the management of Brendan Rodgers.
Ismailia Soro had been struggling to get a place in the Celtic squad. The player had made only a handful of appearances for the club since joining in January of 2020. The majority of those were in the early part of his four-year contract. And except for a brief spell in the 2020/21 campaign, he was unable to impress.
Soro spent last season out on loan at FC Arouca in Portugal. And his current deal with the club runs out in the summer of 2024.
To be honest, it feels as though Soro’s time at Celtic is up in practical terms, even though the club have a new manager in charge in Rodgers. And rumours that Panathinaikos were interested in him and very close to finalising a deal looked like a good way forward for everyone. But it looks like it might not be happening after all.
Forgotten Celtic player rejects chance to leave the club
As reported by Portuguese outlet Record (via Daily Record), Soro and his representatives have U-turned on the offer from Panathinaikos. And it is expected that he will return to Glasgow until he can find another club.
Panathinaikos were offering a chance to compete for trophies and possible Champions League football with a second qualifying round tie coming up. And one has to wonder what the hurdle was that stopped it from happening.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Soro. But it is still very possible that he could leave this summer.