The loan market and Celtic have a relationship that splits opinion among the support when it comes to potential deals of this nature hitting the public domain.
Adam Idah is a perfect example of why the transfer practice can be divisive among fans. In January, the Republic of Ireland international arrived from Norwich City and scored nine times in 19 appearances for the Bhoys, including crucial Scottish Premiership goals and a Scottish Cup final winner against Rangers.
Brendan Rodgers has made it patently clear that he wants Idah back at Parkhead. Regardless, he remains at his parent club despite constant speculation surrounding his future.
Never fall in love with a loan player is the famous saying, eluding to what starts off as a brief love affair between the player and an adoring fanbase before his loan club fail to deal them in permanently.
That isn’t to say that will happen with Idah; this is just a general observation, but there is the other side of the coin, which should also be considered for fairness.
Celtic and the quality available on the loan market
There is always a balance to be struck in football debates, and Celtic’s usage of the loan market should be graded on the quality of players available, in my opinion.
Over the last few days, supporters will have encountered reports that the Hoops have reignited their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Hugo Bueno, who they also tried to acquire on loan in January.
On that topic, the Spain Under-21 international is an example of the type of pedigree that could make the prospect of a straight loan without an option to buy a sacrifice worth making.
Nobody is saying that would be an ideal situation, but he has made 42 Premier League appearances at the Old Gold and would be an adept operator in Rodgers’ possession-orientated style of play reliant on moments of explosivity from wide, per Transfermarkt.
Furthermore, it would provide Celtic with some genuine competition for Greg Taylor at left-back. The Scotland international is the only player in his position on the books at Parkhead. In the five years he has been at the club, there hasn’t been a prolonged challenge from many to try and take his spot.
The window is ticking into its final month, and the Bhoys have another long season ahead of them. If push comes to shove, a body or two arriving under these circumstances is a better alternative than having a lack of squad depth in certain positions if they are up to the mark.
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