Moritz Jenz, known as Mercedes to the Celtic support, looks like leaving club the shortly as the German born 23 year old central defender, who is on a season-long loan deal from French side Lorient, is reported to be exploring his options amid interest from clubs back home in Germany.
Jenz has fallen out of the picture at Celtic after being a regular in the side in the early part of the season after Carl Starfelt picked up a knee injury in the 4-0 thrashing of theRangers at the beginning of September.
A combination of factors – Starfelt returning to full fitness and first team action alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers and the arrival of the Japanese left-sided central defender Yuki Kobayashi, who impressed on his debut against St Mirren in midweek – looks to have had a bearing on the surprising news this evening from Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this is that it follows on from speculation that the club was willing to listen to offers for Celtic Academy graduate Stephen Welsh, which would mean that there would be just three central defenders in the first team squad, although there are viable options in the increasingly impressive Celtic B Team.
Or maybe Ange Postecoglou has other ideas about adding a fourth central defender to the mix, either this month or in the summer?
Jenz, who passed his driving test at the start of the month, has often spoken about his desire to remain at Celtic and perhaps after showing up well in the Champions League campaign this season, reckoned he stood a good chance of getting offered a permanent deal.
Now it looks like Big Mercedes is going to be On The Road Again.
Many will be sad to see him go but most will accept that in Ange We Trust.
Celtic defender Moritz Jenz could leave the club in this window.
The 23-year-old, who is on a season-long loan from Lorient, is understood to be exploring his options.
A number of clubs in Germany are interested in Jenz. pic.twitter.com/uwd4L35GIh
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 20, 2023
I'll be sad to see him go if Jenz leaves but have to admit it's the right decision for all involved.
He gets what it means to pull on the shirt & everything about the club but that's not enough for us to splash out.
A decent player, whatever happens wish him all the best! pic.twitter.com/baUOBqa7DG
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) January 20, 2023
The guy did NOT let us down and if he goes it should be with our good wishes.
If he stays it should also be with our good wishes.
A good player and a good person.