Celtic have already roped in three new names this winter but, at the same time, might sanction the departure of the outcasts. If a report from Ekstra Bladet (as reported by Tipsbladet) is believed to be true, little-seen Oliver Abildgaard could return to his former club Aalborg. Also, Moritz Jenz is expected to cut his loan spell short and return to his parent side Lorient, the Daily Record understands.
Jenz was involved frequently early into the season alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers. Carl Starfelt was struggling with injuries and the former Fulham academy star grabbed his chances expertly. However, the return of the Swedish centre-back has reduced his minutes and the January arrival of Yuki Kobayashi has now pushed him further down the pecking order.
Why Jenz Eyes A New Challenge
The 23-year-old German centre-half began his senior career with Lausanne-Sport in the Swiss Super League. Despite being roped in by Lorient a year later, his gametime was limited at the backend of the previous campaign. The Hoops loaned him in for the season with an option to buy, but they might have to call it off given the current situation. Although it is unclear what lies ahead for Stephen Welsh, Jenz would leave this month irrespective of the Scotsman’s future at Parkhead.
Abildgaard, on the other hand, progressed through the youth ranks of AaB before breaking into their senior squad. After a few successful seasons in Danish Superliga, Rubin Kazan secured his services three years back.
Why Celtic Should Offload Abildgaard
The Bhoys’ initially brought him in on loan as the understudy to Callum McGregor, but the Denmark international has not been able to impress Postecoglou enough. The gaffer deployed Matt O’Riley as the deep-lying playmaker during McGregor’s injury absence, moreover, winter recruit Tomoki Iwata was handed his debut as a second-half substitute in their 5-0 FA Cup 4th Round triumph vs Greenock Morton.
With only 6 substitute appearances halfway through the campaign, Celtic must not keep hold of the player if he wants an egress to revive his career elsewhere. Aalborg consider him a ‘dream player’ to bolster themselves in the middle of the park, but the player is yet to decide whether to reunite with his boyhood club.
The Celts are aiming for a domestic ‘treble’ and have already reached the League Cup final. They also have a nine-point cushion in the league and the next few months would be crucial in terms of meeting their season objectives. They, therefore, must do their January business minutely so that the depth, as well as quality, remain intact across the pitch.
