Luis Palma’s former Aris Thessaloniki coach believes a £3.5 million move to Celtic will be ‘great’ for the talented Honduras international.
Speaking to the Daily Record, one-time Kilmarnock boss Alex Dyer explained why the man expected to take the iconic number seven shirt at Celtic could take to Scottish football like the proverbial duck to water (Diez).
Luis Palma, Dyer points out, had no problems thriving in the high-pressure environment of Greek football. The feverish atmosphere at Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, PAOK and co, he says, means even the fast-paced fury of an Old Firm derby will not take the winger by surprise.
And that’s without mentioning his footballing talent; Palma a footballer with the quality to match his mentality.
“The thing that stands out about him is his tremendous attitude,” says Dyer, who worked for Aris in the 2022/23 season. “Luis just loves football, he loves training and he’s always got a smile on his face around the place. He’s one of those guys who is happy to spend hours and hours on the training pitch.
“There was this huge desire to improve all the time. I’ve got no doubts he’ll be popular in the dressing room at Celtic.
“This is a great move for him. I’m delighted for him, and I hope he does well. I’m sure he will.”
Celtic near £3.5 million Luis Palma deal after Rangers links
Palma, who idolises Cristiano Ronaldo and has spoken publicly about his interest in a move to Scotland, has spent much of the summer being heavily linked with Celtic’s bitter rivals Rangers.
The Honduran’s father, however, has since confirmed that Parkhead will be his destination rather than Ibrox; Palma jetting in for medical before completing his £3.5 million move.
“He’s a very good young player,” Dyer adds. “He’s got two good feet and can play in a variety of positions. Luis can play as a number ten or on the left or right side, and he’s got the quality to score goals.
“You can see he’s really good at set pieces. He takes a great free kick. I’m sure he’ll score goals for Celtic. He definitely won’t look out of place. He’s already involved in the Honduras national set up and this will help him kick on again.
“Celtic have a top manager in Brendan and he will take his career to the next level as well.”
Palma, who likes to cut in from the left onto his right foot, scored 13 goals and set up eight more in 2022/23. He will fill a Jota-shaped hole in a Celtic side who have failed to find the net in either of their last two outings under Brendan Rodgers.
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