The Welshman has struggled for game time at Crystal Palace this season but a return to Celtic could kick-start his career.
Joe Ledley swapping league titles at Celtic for relegation battles at Crystal Palace perhaps epitomises the harsh reality facing Scottish football. With their south-of-the-border neighbours possessing unrivalled financial freedom, even the perennial champions are forced to sell off their star men for a profit.
Yet the Welsh international midfielder, a popular figure at Parkhead but now a sporadic starter at Selhurst Park, is no modern-day mercenary.
“[Celtic] offered me a contract and I was actually planning on signing,” the midfielder told BBC Wales after completing his deadline day move to the Eagles.
“I enjoyed every moment at Celtic and it’s a fantastic club. It will always be with me in my heart.
“I was sat there on deadline day and it came through that the club had accepted a bid. When a club accepts [an offer] then, obviously, they want some money.”
Although Ledley also adds that it had been a dream of his to ply his trade in the Premier League, his departure in 2014 appeared a convenient one – earning Celtic some much needed funds while offering the midfielder a chance to move to one of Europe’s biggest leagues.
However, with his contract expiring in the summer and his first-team opportunities seemingly diminishing, what chance Ledley making the switch in the other direction?
On the face of it, Celtic hardly need midfield reinforcements but with Brendan Rodgers aiming to ease Kouassi Eboue into Scottish football, and seemingly unconvinced by Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton, a midfielder of Ledley’s experience could prove an excellent addition.
And you get the feeling he would jump at the chance to return after a difficult season in London.
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