What does the future hold for Celtic? The club came into this window knowing that they needed to get quite a few deals done. But unfortunately, they have not been able to pull it off. The only two signings, Tomas Cvancara and Julian Araujo, have been brought in on six-month loans. This continues a worrying trend of inefficiency and inability shown in the transfer market.
With less than a week left in the winter transfer window, Celtic still need multiple additions even if they are to meet the minimum expectations. It remains to be seen if they are able to pull it off. But if recent history is anything to go by, do not hold you breath.
Now, let's change our focus to potential departures. One player who is currently out on loan is Luis Palma.
He has been doing quite well for Lech Poznan. Reports in Poland have claimed that the club have an option to buy in the region of €4 million as part of the deal. But it might not be one that they are capable of meeting, which has made things interesting when it comes to any potential exit in the summer.
'Fee is excessive' - €4 million Celtic transfer claim made by club chief
As reported by the Daily Record, Lech Poznan CEO Karol Klimczak said while speaking on Tomasz Ćwiąkała's podcast (via Gol24):
"I wish we could negotiate the terms of the buyout. The paradox is that if Luis were to stop scoring now, maybe they'd somehow manage to convince Celtic that the transfer fee is excessive.
"If he plays well, shoots and assists, then the decisions will be easier."
It is believed that Lech Poznan will need to shatter their transfer record, and by quite some margin, if they want to meet that option to buy. That being said, other clubs around Europe might not have a problem shelling out kind of a fee for someone in Palma's form.
Palma has scored 6 goals and provided 7 assists in 25 appearances for Lech Poznan. Even for Celtic, he was brilliant early on, even scoring against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, before his form faded away. And one could argue that Brendan Rodgers never gave the Honduran a genuine chance to win his place back in the team. Could a return to Parkhead be on the cards under a new manager next season?