Celtic fans are waiting on the club to make some additions before the end of the winter transfer window on February 2. There is less than a week left before it slams shut and a lot of areas where improvements are clearly still required. But at the same time, it is very possible that some might also head for the exit door.
One complaint that fans have had about the club in recent times is their inability to promote quality talent to the senior team. And that has prompted plenty of them to head for the exit door in search of opportunities elsewhere.
Even right now, plenty of players are out on loan who were expected to become part of the first-team while coming through the youth ranks. By now, it is clear that a starting XI spot at Celtic does not lie in their future.
That could lead to exits. In fact, it looks like a couple are already in talks over permanent moves away even though they are currently out on loan.
Celtic duo in talks to leave the club on a permanent basis
As reported by the Daily Record in a recent Record Sport Q&A (via Glasgow World),
"I am told that Thistle are keen on signing Josh Clarke and Ben McPherson from Celtic on a permanent basis. Talks are on-going on that front with both loan players."
McPherson is 21 years of age and plays at right-back. He has represented Scotland at the youth level. Celtic have plenty of players in that area of the pitch though with Colby Donovan, Anthony Ralston, Julian Araujo and the injured Alistair Johnston.
On the other hand, Clarke is also 21 years old, and he plays as a goalkeeper. He was part of the Chelsea and Bournemouth academy setup before moving to Celtic. He has also represented England, Sweden, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at youth international levels. As a result, many fans had expected him to become a starter one day. Things have not played out like that.
Neither player seems to be in Celtic's short or long-term plans. As a result, it might be best for everybody involved for them to depart.