FORMER Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre has given his view on Luis Palma’s unsuccessful spell at the Hoops, with the winger now out on loan at Polish side Lech Poznań.
Palma joined Celtic from Aris Thessaloniki in 2023 with high expectations but struggled to make a lasting impact under Brendan Rodgers. His game time became increasingly limited, and his move to Poland includes an option for a permanent transfer.
Izaguirre, a fellow Honduran and countryman of Palma, believes the 25-year-old’s lack of intensity and inability to complete matches were major factors in his struggles.
Despite his criticism, Izaguirre insists Palma still has the talent to succeed and hopes the move to Lech Poznań can reignite his career.
He said: (The Herald), “I think Luis Palma needed to be more intense when he was at Celtic and actually finish the 90 minutes.
“I don’t know if he has good pre-seasons, I don’t know about injuries, but you can see that he never seems to be able to finish the 90 minutes.
“He’s a winger and has to run many miles a game, press and make runs. I’m not sure he did that. But he still has the potential to return to form.
“He’s now in Poland and we hope he gets the chance to play and enjoy it because he definitely has what it takes.
“I have always believed in the national team players, which is why many of them play in Europe. We have quality.”
Palma will now aim to rediscover his best form in the Ekstraklasa, where regular football could help rebuild his confidence and sharpness.
Lech Poznań have given him the opportunity to play in a competitive league, and strong performances could convince them to trigger the option to buy.
From Celtic’s perspective, his loan could either pave the way for a permanent exit or provide the winger with the platform to return a better player.
Izaguirre’s backing suggests there is still belief in Palma’s ability back home in Honduras, but the onus is now on the winger to prove he can fulfil the potential that brought him to Celtic in the first place.
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