For the last few weeks, Celtic fans have been eagerly waiting for some meaningful additions to be made to Brendan Rodgers' squad. But the club seem to be intent on doing everything other than that for the time being. The team is weaker right now than when they finished last season. That should never be the case. Especially when they need to qualify for the Champions League this time around, having not gotten an automatic spot as the Scottish champions like the past three editions.
Celtic need to make quality additions in several areas across the pitch. They probably need new starters at striker, centre-back and on the flank while more depth is needed in a few other areas.
But if recent rumours are anything to go by, there do not seem to be any players of such calibre on Celtic's radar right now. Instead, it looks like the club are in the middle of a never-ending cycle of transfer departures, both permanent and loans.
Now, another such move is official. As reported by Celtic FC B, Josh Clarke has joined Partick Thistle on loan.
Official: Another Celtic player quietly completes summer exit
Formerly of the youth ranks at Chelsea and Bournemouth, there were high hopes surrounding Clarke when he was signed by Celtic. But so far, he is far away from the first-team picture,
He has to have some brilliant loan spells away from the club in order to catch the eye of the management. It remains to be seen if he can achieve that this season. At 20 years of age, he is at an important point in his career right now. His current deal at Celtic runs until the summer of 2027.
Of course, the goalkeeping position is arguably the toughest one to break into when it comes to first-team football. Clubs like Celtic will always prefer to have proven and experienced options between the posts rather than giving a chance to someone like Clarke. So, it remains to be seen if he can make his case in the future. This spell at Patrick Thistle could be a great opportunity for him to at least earn himself a squad role next season.
This is going to be Clarke's third loan spell away from Celtic. His previous ones were at Airdrieonians and Ayr United. Interestingly, he has represented Sweden, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at youth international levels.