Celtic have several players out on loan looking to showcase their abilities with Brendan Rodgers bound to have one eye on their progress amid his side’s excellent start to the campaign.
While a Celtic first-team squad rich in competition vie for minutes over the coming months, those away from the Bhoys’ spotlight will be determined to prove they can step up to the task in the future.
The loan market has been a beneficial vessel for the club, forging the development of key stars such as Ryan Christie and Kristoffer Ajer over the past few years.
Admittedly, not all temporary switches away from Celtic amount to that, but there is always the potential to increase value before selling players that are deemed surplus to requirements in Glasgow.
Either way, it is always worth keeping an eye on those plying their trade elsewhere that are still tied to the Bhoys via contract.
How Celtic’s loanees are faring this campaign
Making a journey along the M8, Hyeokkyu Kwon has made a quietly impressive Hibernian start. Manager David Gray has complemented the midfielder, stating he is ‘getting better all the time’ while at Easter Road.
Completing five starts since his move to the Edinburgh-based side, there are clear signs that the former Busan iPark man is kicking on after his spell at St Mirren last season. Data provided via Fotmob shows he has won 24 duels this campaign, alongside maintaining a pass accuracy rate of 83.7%.
Despite his only outings for Celtic coming in friendlies, Kwon has found a stable footing in Scottish football and may be one to watch as the weeks go on. Unfortunately, in contrast, a colleague of last season, Gustaf Lagerbielke, is still awaiting his breakthrough at Twente.
The Sweden international has featured twice off the bench across the Eredivisie and Europa League, where he played a cameo role in Jooseph Oosting’s men claiming a draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Other than that, 45 minutes at home to NAC Breda off the bench, where he helped to keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory, has been his only other contribution, with Mees Hilgers and Max Bruns seemingly the favoured centre-back pairing.
Frustratingly, bad luck with injuries have influenced Marco Tilio at Melbourne City. Having barely had the chance to introduce himself at Celtic, the start of the A-League Men campaign this weekend can hopefully provide him with some better luck.
Tilio impressed with two assists in pre-season a couple of weeks ago against Auckland, illustrating that he may be on the road to recovery.
Hopefully, the £1.5 million Celtic signing can stay fit following a run of fitness issues that have stalled his progress in recent times.
Johnny Kenny’s goals and Alexandro Bernabei’s progress
Celtic striker Johnny Kenny has taken his tally at Shamrock Rovers to 12 goals and three assists in 31 outings, albeit he hasn’t scored in the League of Ireland since mid-way through last month.
With his contract set to run until 2026, it remains to be seen if a future could be found for him in Glasgow. Brendan Rodgers will be impressed by his countryman, but there has been no confirmation of the plan for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international once he returns to Lennoxtown.
Conversely, Internacional have started to pursue Alexandro Bernabei permanently, and talks with his agents are ongoing following a run of 16 appearances for the Argentinian and two goals.
Paying £3.75 million for him back in 2023, Celtic will hope to make a return on their investment should negotiations proceed in a smooth manner.
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