NafisaCeltic could already be facing an important decision over one of their summer signings, with questions emerging about how best to get the midfielder’s career in Glasgow moving in the right direction.
The Hoops invested in young talent during the summer as they looked to strengthen their squad, with supporters expecting new arrivals to make an impact at Parkhead. However, not every signing has enjoyed the smooth start they would have hoped for.
For one highly rated teenager, the opening months of the campaign have brought frustration rather than opportunities to impress.
The midfielder has yet to make his competitive debut for Celtic, leaving fans waiting to see what he can offer in the famous green-and-white hoops. His absence has been particularly disappointing given the reported fee involved in bringing him to Scotland.
Now, with the January transfer window approaching, Celtic may have to consider whether keeping him in Glasgow is the best option for his development.
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Celtic could explore a loan move for Joel van den Berg during the second half of the season if the teenager continues to struggle for first-team minutes.
The reported £3.4 million summer signing arrived from PSV Eindhoven with the potential to develop into an important player for the Scottish champions. However, his start in Glasgow has been disrupted by injury, preventing him from making the breakthrough supporters had anticipated.
Any decision over a temporary departure would depend on Celtic’s own squad situation, with the report indicating that the club would first need to ensure they have sufficient midfield cover before allowing Van den Berg to leave.
That condition could prove crucial as Martin O’Neill weighs up the best way forward for the youngster.
Van den Berg’s lack of involvement has understandably frustrated supporters eager to see their new signing in action. However, there is an important distinction between a player struggling to earn selection and one whose opportunities have been restricted by fitness problems.
The teenager was pictured wearing a protective boot on his left foot in September, highlighting the injury issues that have affected his introduction to life at Celtic.
Consequently, his absence cannot simply be viewed as evidence that he has failed to impress the manager. Without regular training and opportunities to demonstrate his ability, it remains difficult to judge what he could contribute to the first team.
The coming weeks could therefore be significant for both the player and the club.
Van den Berg needs to get fully fit and convince O’Neill that he can compete for a place in Celtic’s midfield. If he can begin making progress before January, the manager may have a clearer idea of whether keeping him at Parkhead would benefit his development.
However, if regular appearances remain difficult to secure, a loan move could offer a practical solution.
At 19, competitive football is particularly important. Training alongside established first-team players can help a young midfielder develop, but regular match minutes would give Van den Berg the chance to build confidence, improve his match fitness and adapt to the physical demands of senior football.
A temporary move could also allow Celtic to assess his progress in a competitive environment before bringing him back into the squad.
Nevertheless, allowing a reported £3.4m signing to leave just months after his arrival would not be a decision the club could take lightly. Celtic invested in Van den Berg with the expectation that he could contribute to the team, and his injury-disrupted start offers little evidence on which to make a long-term judgement.
The club must also consider the depth of its midfield options. If injuries or other squad demands leave O’Neill short of alternatives, keeping Van den Berg available could become more important than arranging a loan.
For now, a January departure remains a possibility rather than a confirmed decision. Much will depend on the teenager’s fitness, his progress in training and the opportunities available to him before the transfer window opens.
Celtic supporters are still waiting for their first proper glimpse of Van den Berg in action. Whether that moment arrives at Parkhead or he eventually needs a spell elsewhere to kick-start his development could become one of the club’s decisions to watch as January approaches.
Nafisa
