Celtic are reportedly considering loaning Joel van den Berg out in January, just months after his £3.4million arrival at Parkhead. The 19-year-old midfielder made five first team appearances for PSV Eindhoven before moving to Glasgow in the summer but is yet to make his debut for Martin O'Neill's side.
Van den Berg, a Netherlands U19 international, has only managed to make the matchday squad on two occasions, with fellow summer signing Mika Baur quickly establishing himself in Celtic's midfield alongside skipper Callum McGregor and Benjamin Nygren.
Rumours of a January Loan
Social media rumours have linked the player with a loan move away from Celtic Park. Speaking on Record Sport's Hotline Live on Tuesday, Keith Jackson explained why a potential deal would make sense for all parties.
"There are certainly rumours kicking about that Celtic might consider letting him leave on loan in January. I have been trying to check it out so I have to say those rumours are unconfirmed. I have spoke to a couple of people in the Netherlands that are familiar with the youngster, his family and his agents. They've not confirmed that the player has been told that."
"It's an unconfirmed rumour at this time but it does make a little bit of sense because he is nowhere near getting game time in this Celtic side. He is a young boy and Celtic have big hopes for him, but his future certainly isn't looking all that great if he is sitting rotting and just not getting game time for the entire season."
Progression and Development
Jackson added: "Martin O'Neill clearly doesn't feel he is ready for the first team yet, so maybe send him away for six months to get some football wouldn't be the worst idea in terms of his progression and his development. I can see why these rumours are starting but having checked it out this afternoon, nothing has come back to us to confirm that is the case."
Earlier this month, former Celtic defender and Netherlands international Glen Loovens insisted the club have a real talent in van den Berg, stating: "Have I seen him? Of course. Van den Berg I watched a lot for young PSV. He's a very good young talent. Real box-to-box player."
"He's got an eye for goal as well. For how young he is, he's already got a good physical size. You need to give him a bit of time because he's young but he will be a huge success for Celtic."
Loovens continued: "Is he highly thought of in Holland? Yeah, yeah, yeah. They already put him to the first team last year. He made his debut and played another couple of games for PSV. So he's a big talent. He's young. He goes abroad. New surroundings. Everything is new. You need to give him a bit of time but he will be good for Celtic."
