Soro’s imminent exit just the start of Brendan clearing the decks

Ismaila Soro, remember him? The Ivory Coast midfielder was brought to the club by Neil Lennon from Israeli side Bnei Yehuda back in 2020. Many supporters reckoned he could replace Scott Brown in the Celtic first team.

Soro made a decent enough start to his Celtic career and looked a good prospect for a while, but his form nosedived and he failed to impress Ange Postecoglou before being shipped out on loan to Portuguese side Arouca for a full year on loan last season.

20th November 2021; Hampden Park, Glasgow City, Scotland; Scottish League Cup semi-final, Celtic versus St Johnstone; Ismaila Soro of Celtic

Now Ismaila Soro is apparently close to joining Greek side Panathinaikos. Nothing has been said about a fee, but I’d imagine it would be minimal with him only having a year remaining on his contract.

Just like Vasilis Barkas recently, getting rid of his salary also frees up some more funds and that is a good thing. Next the attention will surely turn to Albian Ajeti, another who cost big money and is on a lucrative salary at Celtic after Neil Lennon signed him from West Ham for an eye watering sum of £5m.

Celtic v Dundee United – Albian Ajeti battle for the ball. Photo Jane Barlow

I’m sure Brendan will be looking to clear the decks at Lennoxtown to remove players who aren’t going to figure in his plans and players like Liam Shaw, Osaze Urhoghide and maybe even Liam Scales could all fall into that category with a few more on top.

These guys are unlikely to make a breakthrough and won’t be anywhere near Brendan’s plans, it’s best for all concerned if we can manage to get them out the exit door once and for all.

Republic of Ireland v Latvia – International Friendly, Länderspiel, Nationalmannschaft – Aviva Stadium Republic of Ireland s Mikey Johnston during the international friendly match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Wednesday March 22, 2023. Photo Brian Lawless

One player who didn’t get much joy under Ange Postecoglou but who might see his luck improved under Brendan Rodgers is Mikey Johnston. Rodgers rated him very highly indeed during his first period at the club and Johnston, back at the club after his season playing in Portugal, will be hoping he can impress the returning manager.

As for Ismaila Soro, hopefully he can get his move to Panathinaikos sorted out so that he can get on with his career. At Celtic it just wasn’t meant to be for Soro.

🇨🇮 | Ismaila Soro

Greek giants Panathinaikos are ‘very close’ to signing Celtic midfielder Ismaila Soro.

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