Confirmed: Boli Bolingoli in Celtic limbo again after Russian loan move collapses

By John McGinley

April 1, 2022

Celtic defender Boli Bolingoli has had his loan to Russian side FC Ufa terminated, the club confirmed in a social media statement today.

Ufa said: “The employment contract between FC Ufa and the Belgian defender Boli Bolingoli Mbombo was terminated by a joint decision.

“In February of this year, Bolingoli was loaned from the Scottish side Celtic, but he never made his debut for our team in official matches.”

Bolingoli has been in and around Ange Postecoglou’s squad this season, making two appearances for the club against Livingston and Motherwell last Autumn.

However, it became increasingly apparent he was not in the plans of the Australian and his loan move away in February was no surprise.

Bolingoli is now left in something of limbo once again with his contract at Celtic not expiring until 2023. He could well be on his way back to Lennoxtown shortly to keep his fitness levels up.

The left wing-back has had a storied career at the Bhoys despite making just 31 appearances in three years. Falling foul of lockdown rules during the pandemic, he was sent on loan to Turkey before suffering an unlucky serious knee injury.

I wouldn’t be surprised if all parties will breathe a sigh of relief when he finally makes a permanent move elsewhere.

In other news, 2 big questions that could be answered at Celtic today.