Celtic winger Luis Palma will hope to build on an encouraging debut campaign in green and white once competitive action gets underway once again in 2024/25.
The Honduran was in and out of Brendan Rodgers’ line-up during the second half of last term. Still, he produced an impressive return of ten goals and ten assists from 36 appearances in 2023/24 [Transfermarkt].
Over the summer, Palma has flourished on international duty with his nation, and registered three assists for Honduras in a 6-1 victory over Bermuda earlier this month.
Now preparing to return to Lennoxtown, the former Aris man has dispelled some murmurs surrounding his current situation and laid out his intentions for the new season.
Luis Palma outlines his priorities at Celtic in 2024/25
Speaking to Deportes TVC, Palma has dismissed false rumours that he is unsettled at Celtic and has revealed his main mission is to hit the ground running at club level from pre-season onwards.
He stated: “That’s the first time I have heard of that. I have no idea where that came from. I have only been at Celtic for a year. I have four years left of my contract.
“I am focusing on the new season and getting back to the level I was at when I first arrived. It won’t take much to get me back to that.
“The pre-season will be important for me because we want to become champions again; I want to work harder to ensure that happens again. This week the pre-season begins at Celtic, but I get extra days off because I was playing with the national team.”
You get the impression that Palma is itching for the new campaign to get underway, offering him a golden chance to break into Rodgers’ starting line-up in pre-season before the competitive stuff commences.
His initial impact at Celtic was very impressive. Still, a combination of injury and fitness issues meant his influence waned as 2023/24 went on, which is a shame given his evident talent.
Hopefully, he can return to Lennoxtown rejuvenated after enjoying a well-deserved break during the off-season.