What Emilio Izaguirre told Celtic about Luis Palma before transfer

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Emilio Izaguirre has revealed the role he played in Luis Palma’s signing in the summer from Aris.

Izaguirre admitted that he spoke with Michael Nicholson about Palma after playing in a charity match. He said: [Mundo Deportivo], “He was with me in the Honduras national team in 2019. He was just starting out, I think he was 18 when they called him up. A great player, he was later at Vida, when we wanted to bring him to Motagua he went to Aris. And after that Celtic signed him.

“I was playing a legends match between Celtic and Liverpool in March. I met Michael (club director) and recommended Palma and other players like Elis or Lozano.

“I spoke well about Luis, I told him that they would look at him and that he was a player who could be very useful for the club. He is a young, 22-year-old [now 23] player, who can have a great season and then sell him.”

The former Bhoys defender also spoke of how Palma’s strengths and versatility can help Celtic this season. Izaguirre said: “He is a very technical player, he is different. He has a good punch, he has a goal and he can play in up to three positions.

“Technically very good. He can make a difference on set pieces or long-range shots. There are few players like him who have the framework well drawn in their heads. Having players like that who are capable of scoring goals from 35 meters makes a difference.”

In seven Scottish Premiership games this season, Palma has scored three goals and provided two assists. His sensational strike against Ross County on Saturday captured headlines, with Izaguirre now tipping Palma to be a difference maker against Atletico Madrid tomorrow night.

Izaguirre said: “I hope that Luis Palma scores another goal and that Celtic win the match. Football is all about moments. Celtic can take advantage of set pieces because they have very tall players. I believe they can win. I think Celtic will certainly be able to compete.

“I thought Celtic were unfortunate only to get a draw in the first match after leading twice. It was a very difficult game for Atletico and I felt it was a very even match. Celtic play at a very high level. In football, anything can happen. In 2012, we were beating Barcelona in the Nou Camp thanks to a goal from Georgios Samaras. Andres Iniesta equalised and then Jordi Alba won it for them in injury time. But we were very close to beating them and that’s my point about Celtic at Atletico. In football, you never know what will happen.”