Luis Palma on the brink of Celtic exit as La Liga suitors jump to front of queue for fringe star

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Celtic star Luis Palma has had to spend most of this campaign on the periphery and has struggled for regular first-team football under Brendan Rodgers.

Despite a positive cameo during the Bhoys’ 2-0 victory over Dundee United yesterday evening, the Honduran has failed to register a goal contribution in ten appearances this campaign.

With the window now open, Celtic fringe player Palma has attracted interest from several clubs as he edges closer to the exit door, including Olympiacos, Genoa, Orlando City and Atlanta Utd.

Alongside his lack of opportunities, the Hoops are in the market for two wingers this month and appear to be taking a fresh direction to freshen up their squad.

Now, Palma may be on his way to mainland Europe following a positive development in negotiations over his impending departure.

Luis Palma looks set to join Rayo Vallecano on loan

According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Palma is poised to join La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano on loan until the end of the season and has found an agreement ahead of completing the prospective switch.

The Spanish side will retain an option to make his spell permanent for a fee of €2.5million (£2.1 million) once the campaign comes to an end.

Initially, Palma emerged as a key player for Celtic following his £3.5 million move from Aris in 2023, though he has since fallen out of favour under Brendan Rodgers.

Overall, the Honduras international has registered ten goals and ten assists in 45 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Could Celtic have surprise up their sleeve in the transfer window?

If Palma is now finalising a departure, could an incoming be on the cards sooner rather than later to strengthen the wide berths for Celtic?

It does seem like that could be a possibility, especially with the need for a reinforcement or two growing amid Nicolas Kuhn’s injury that forced him out of facing Dundee United.

Hopefully, some exciting rumours will emerge in the coming days should Palma indeed be on his way to Spain. Fixtures are coming thick and fast and Celtic need the squad strength to cope.