Much of the talk surrounding Celtic this month has been centred on outgoings, with Croatian Josip Juranovic having notably secured a move to Union Berlin, while Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis also appears to be closing in on an exit before the end of the window.
A further departure could also occur before deadline day, however, with the Scottish Daily Express reporting that on-loan defender, Moritz Jenz could make a swift return to parent club, Lorient.
The report suggests that the 23-year-old – who had initially joined on a season-long loan deal during the summer – has grown ‘frustrated’ with his lack of game, with the German ace seemingly evaluating potential options in his homeland for the remainder of the campaign.
The one-time Fulham youth product has found himself way down the pecking order since the return to action following the World Cup break, with his last Scottish Premiership appearance having come in the win over Ross County back in early November.
Prior to that, the 6 foot 3 brute had featured regularly due to the injury absence of Carl Starfelt, starting all six group games during the club’s disappointing Champions League run.
Despite that string of opportunities, it does appear that the Berlin native was unable to truly impress Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou, having notably been “all over the place” in the club’s only league defeat of the season away to St Mirren, according to journalist Josh Bunting.
With the Scottish champions having continued to thrive with Jenz no longer involved – as winter arrival Yuki Kobayashi has now usurped his place in the side – it does appear that the loss of the centre-back may not be too great of a blow as far as the Parkhead outfit are concerned.
That loss can also be eased by the fact that the Old Firm giants have a handful of promising young talents lying in wait for a chance to stake their claim in the first team, with promising asset Ewan Otoo one of those who could well be deserving of an opportunity.
The 20-year-old has himself been linked with an exit of late – amid interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Burnley – although that is seemingly a reflection of his undoubted talent, having been a leading figure for Celtic’s ‘B’ team of late.
The central defender has scored once and provided two assists in 22 games in all competitions so far this term, offering the versatility to feature at the heart of the backline, as well as in a full-back berth or a central midfield role.
The former Scotland youth international – who has been with the Bhoys academy since the age of eight – previously impressed while on loan at lower division side, Clyde during the 2020/21 campaign, with manager Danny Lennon having stated:
“Ewan is a young boy with fantastic energy, he’s trying to make his mark in the game at that level, so he will certainly get the experience of that.
“Like anything, I believe when you’re given that access, the more that you go and play at that level, the quicker these boys learn. What he does have is a terrific attitude, for a very young boy he’s years ahead in terms of maturation, and is a very strong, powerful boy.”
While the imposing asset is yet to be handed an opportunity in the senior ranks, the impending exit of the aforementioned Jenz could allow Otoo the chance to fill the gap in Postecoglou’s ranks.
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