Ex-Celtic loanee Oliver Burke has had an interesting career.
Born in Kirkcaldy, he broke the record for the most expensive-ever Scottish player twice in a year, commanding eight-figure fees from RB Leipzig and West Brom as a teenager.
Aged 21, he was brought on loan to Celtic by Brendan Rodgers for the second half of the 2018-19 season.
Despite making a positive start, Burke’s performances quickly dropped, and he dropped completely out of the starting line-up after Neil Lennon replaced Rodgers in late February.
He spent the next four years bouncing from club to club, mostly in the English Championship – but in 2024, he finally found his form as a striker.
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Oliver Burke on Celtic and Stuttgart
He joined Union Berlin ahead of this season, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-3 win away at Eintracht Frankfurt in September.
Aged 28, Burke is playing some of the best football of his career in the Bundesliga.
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Speaking to BBC Sport, Burke was asked about the Hoops’ upcoming Europa League knockout tie against Stuttgart.
He said: “Stuttgart are not an easy team. They’re doing brilliantly this season.”
On Celtic in general, Burke added: “Celtic are an amazing club. I love the club. I still watch here and there.
“I watched the Kilmarnock game the other day. I was saying to my wife ‘they’re going to score in the last minute’ because it’s just Celtic, typical.”
Reflecting on his progression as a player, Burke said: “I almost feel like a different player, but obviously that comes with maturing.
“Knowing your job better and being more effective in your role, defensively as well. It’s just about adapting really.”
Lastly, on his chances of returning to the Scotland squad for the World Cup, he said: “I’m just focused on my football here and what happens, happens really.
“I’ve not really thought too much on it. Obviously, I know there’s a World Cup coming up, but I’ve not really been a part of it recently.
“I’m not really expecting anything. I’m just enjoying myself and enjoying football again, which is the most important thing for me.
“If I can, hopefully, do some good performances, score some more goals and hopefully that is catching the eye a little bit and gives me a chance, at least.”
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Celtic’s January 2019 transfer window
Reflecting on Celtic’s business from that January 2019 window, it’s perhaps understandable that Rodgers was gone a month later.
Vakoun Issouf Bayo was the only permanent first-team signing, joining from FC DAC for £2.5 million.
Alongside Burke, Timothy Weah was also brought on loan in the first six months of the window. The USA international has since played for Lille, Juventus and Marseille.
On deadline day, Jeremy Toljan was signed on loan from Borussia Dortmund. After over 100 appearances for Sassuolo, the German full-back now plays for Levante.
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