Four days ago, reports from Spain indicated that Rayo Vallecano had reached an agreement with Celtic’s Luis Palma and were in the process of finalizing a deal with Brendan Rodgers’ side.
A new update from Estadio Deportivo suggests that the winger’s transfer to the La Liga club is now in its ‘final phase.’
On Sunday, a fresh development emerged, bringing the Celtic player ‘very close’ to joining Rayo Vallecano during the winter transfer window.
It is reported that Celtic and Rayo Vallecano have ‘already finalized an agreement’ for the 24-year-old to join on loan. Both clubs are now ironing out the final details of the arrangement.
According to Estadio, the Spanish side will have the option to purchase the Honduras international for €2.5m at the end of the season. Palma is expected to travel to Spain this week to complete formalities, including medical examinations.
Brendan Rodgers has given Palma just one league start this season, prompting the winger to seek a January exit. He now appears close to sealing a move to Rayo Vallecano.
Chris Sutton admits he has ‘never understood’ why some have been ‘questioning’ Celtic star
Brendan Rodgers saw Matt O’Riley depart for Brighton in a transfer that was widely anticipated, leaving fans eager to see how Celtic would reinvest the funds to strengthen their squad.
Celtic made significant moves, including breaking their transfer record to sign midfielder Arne Engels. The 21-year-old arrived from German club FC Augsburg and has had a mixed presence in Rodgers’ starting XI since his move to Glasgow.
On Saturday, Celtic secured a 4-1 victory over Ross County, with Engels in the starting lineup. The Belgian midfielder capped off the performance by converting a re-taken penalty during stoppage time.
Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd shared notable opinions about Engels, highlighting the impact of the summer signing.
Celtic boasts a strong squad, with perhaps the most competitive area being midfield. Regular starters Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate dominate the central roles, while Engels, Luke McCowan, and Paulo Bernardo vie for opportunities.
Sutton likened Engels’ situation to Nicolas Kuhn, pointing out some lingering uncertainties surrounding him while emphasizing the need for patience. Boyd also praised the young midfielder during an appearance on Sky Sports Football (11/01/25 at 12:20 pm), commending his contributions to the team.
Boyd stated: “You look at Celtic and they could play two upfront. The ball retention they have in the middle of the pitch. They can control it. If they have to work as a partnership. One will go short and the other will go long. When you look at the performances Engels has been putting in recently. He has been impressive. I know he had that time when he was out of the team and Bernardo had come in. But you have got to say, in recent weeks, he has got himself back in there and back amongst the goals as well. It’s just his energy, Chris.”
Sutton then added: “I never understood the questioning of Engels. I think it’s all to do with the price-tag, more than anything.
“We saw Nicolas Kuhn when he came in last season take his time to get up to speed and Engels is doing that.”
