Celtic winger Luis Palma is on the verge of joining La Liga side Rayo Vallecano. The 24-year-old Honduran international is expected to move on loan, with an option for Vallecano to make the transfer permanent for €2.5 million (£2.1 million) at the end of the season.
Palma joined Celtic in August 2023 from Greek club Aris Thessaloniki for a fee of £3.5 million. In his debut season (2023/2024), he made a notable impact, scoring 10 goals across all competitions.
One of his memorable contributions was coming off the bench to score in a 2-1 victory against Motherwell, which endeared him to the Celtic faithful.
Despite a promising start, Palma has struggled for game time in the current season.
He has made only seven league appearances, with just one start in a 2-0 win over Dundee, where he was substituted after 57 minutes. This lack of involvement has led to speculation about his future at the club.
Rayo Vallecano, currently mid-table in La Liga and aiming for European qualification, view Palma as a valuable addition to their squad.
The Spanish side has been seeking to strengthen their attacking options following the departure of James Rodríguez.
Reports indicate that personal terms between Palma and Vallecano have been agreed upon, and the player is expected to travel to Spain in the coming days to finalize the move.
This potential transfer offers Palma an opportunity to revive his career in one of Europe’s top leagues, competing against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
For Celtic, the deal could represent a financial loss, considering the initial investment made in 2023. However, with limited contributions this season, the club may view this move as beneficial for all parties involved.
As the January transfer window progresses, both clubs are expected to finalize the necessary paperwork, with an official announcement anticipated soon.
Celtic supporters will be keen to see how this development unfolds and what it means for the squad’s depth in the attacking department.
