Luis Palma has departed Celtic to sign for Lech Poznan on a permanent deal.
A saga had started to develop surrounding the winger’s status, with Celtic holding out for the full €4 million fee included in his loan contract in Poland.
Lech lowballed the Hoops with a few lower offers, resulting in a deadline being set for the purchase of Palma before the door was opened to other clubs.
The Ekstraklasa club have clearly acted decisively, and Palma has now officially put an end to his Celtic career.
Luis Palma’s Celtic exit has been confirmed ✅
Lech Poznan announce signing of Luis Palma from Celtic on contract until 2029
Lech have announced the deal on their social media pages saying: “You’ve all been waiting for this news.
“We have activated the buyout clause for Luis Palma from Scotland’s Celtic FC. Luis has become a Kolejorz player until 30 June 2029.”
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The fee represents a club-record transfer for Lech, an indication that they were more than happy with the 26-year-old’s contributions for Niels Frederiksen’s side.
He registered double figures in both goals and assists as they prevailed in a dramatic race for the Polish Ekstraklasa side.
Celtic paid £3.5 million to take Palma from Aris Thessaloniki in Brendan Rodgers’ first summer transfer window. He was, essentially, the Jota replacement.
A goal in his first league appearance at Fir Park seemed to indicate that he was the business, and he followed that up with two goals in the Champions League group stage.
He ended his first season with his goal tally in double digits, but in 12 appearances in the following campaign, he ended up with none.
It was quite the surprise when then-Conference league holders Olympiacos took him on loan, but he finally seems to have a home in Poland.
How Luis Palma’s Celtic teammates fared on loan
Johnny Kenny is planning to return to Celtic after a successful period on loan at Bolton Wanderers, who he aided in their promotion to the Championship.
Hannover are in talks to sign Maik Nawrocki, but their failed bid for promotion to the German top-flight could tempt Bundesliga clubs to enter the race.
In the same position, Stephen Welsh enjoyed a stellar season at Motherwell, however, his contract at Parkhead has now been terminated as a goodwill gesture.
Shin Yamada is also set to return from the German second tier; he scored three goals in the last five games of the season with Prussia Munster.
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