It’s coming up to the season of decisions at Celtic Park, as a number of loanees are set to return to the club this summer. Yet, despite the talent available, many are questioning whether these players will add any value to Ange Postecoglou’s current squad.
The Celtic manager has been vocal about his ambition to elevate the club to a higher level, and it remains to be seen whether any of these returning talents fit into his master plan.
Starting with Greek goalkeeper, Vasilios Barkas, who came in with high expectations but was shipped out on loan after a series of underwhelming performances. His hefty wages, along with the fact that the Hoops have a relatively stable goalkeeping situation, mean that his days at Celtic Park are likely numbered.
Verdict: Sell
Swiss striker Albian Ajeti is another player whose time in Scotland may be coming to an end. Despite a promising start, his influence and productivity was lacking, resulting in a loan move. With the club still paying a considerable portion of his salary, Celtic may want to move him on to free up funds.
Verdict: Sell
Mikey Johnston is an intriguing case. The winger has demonstrated flashes of brilliance on his loan spell in Portugal, but has failed to make a consistent impact in Celtic colours. Postecoglou has spoken fondly of him, but it remains to be seen whether he can make the breakthrough and become a first-team regular.
Verdict: Give him 6 more months to assess.
Osaze Urhoghide, the young defender, hasn’t had much of a look in since his move to the Hoops and was subsequently loaned out. With Celtic’s defence performing solidly, it’s tough to see him breaking into the squad.
Verdict: Release
Liam Scales, another defender out on loan, faces a similar predicament. His chances of making it into Celtic’s starting eleven seem slim given the strong defensive options already available. He has done well with Aberdeen and really contributed to the upturn in fortunes for the Dons under former Celtic midfielder Barry Robson.
Verdict: Sell, if there’s significant interest.
Adam Montgomery, despite his promise, has struggled for game time in the hoops. It’s hard to predict how much of a future he has at Celtic, particularly as he returns from St Johnstone. The interim Saints boss Stevie MacLean has spoken highly of him, but in the context of elevating this current squad, is Adam ready?
Verdict: Loan
Ismaila Soro, who showed promise during Celtic’s awful Covid season, has absolutely zero chance of getting into Ange’s squad.
Verdict: Sell or Release
Liam Shaw was signed on a pre-contract under Neil Lennon and by the time he made it to the club, Ange Postecoglou was in charge. The midfielder has not set the world alight at Morecambe and we expect him to be moved on.
Verdict: Sell or Release
Finally, Johnny Kenny, the young striker on loan, might find it tough to displace the current Celtic front line. Despite a promising future, it may be in his best interest to seek regular playing time elsewhere.
Verdict: Sell
While these players certainly possess their own individual attributes, they are not what Celtic needs to take the next step under Postecoglou’s management.
It would be beneficial for the club to make these decisions sooner rather than later, in order to provide clarity for the players and also streamline the squad for the challenges ahead.
With another crack at the Champions League looming, it will be interesting to see how Celtic’s loanee situation unfolds.
