OPINION
When Celtic secured the signing of Charly Musonda on an 18-month loan from Chelsea in January, it was seen as a massive coup and an extremely exciting addition for the Hoops.
Fast forward three months and the 21-year-old has played just eight times for Celtic, with just two of those appearances coming from the start.
This disappointing start to Musonda’s career at Parkhead has been concerning for all involved, and there has now been talk of the youngster returning to parent club Chelsea this summer.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has now spoken out on the situation after Celtic’s 3-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday, revealing that talks were planned with the player at the end of the season in two weeks time.
He said: “If I don’t think this will be for him then Chelsea and I will speak about that, along with Charly. It’s just been unfortunate the team has been playing very well so we’ll speak with him at the end of the season and take it from there.”
?? BR: "If I don't think this will be for him then Chelsea and I will speak about that, along with Charly. It’s just been unfortunate the team has been playing very well so we'll speak with him at the end of the season and take it from there." #HEACEL
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— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) May 6, 2018
While these comments are by no way definitive in suggesting that Musonda will not remain with the club this summer, they are very worrying from a Celtic point of view.
Musonda may not have made a massive impact so far at the club, but his potential is clear to see and he needs to be given time to settle in properly.
There is still a whole season left on his 18-month loan, and given a whole pre-season this summer, Musonda could go on to some seriously big things next term.
Patrick Roberts joined on a similar 18-month loan from Manchester City and took time to settle before becoming a Parkhead favourite, so Musonda needs to be afforded the same patience.
Furthermore, it looks as though Moussa Dembele will be on his way out of the club, and there are question marks over the future of Tom Rogic too.
Those departures would leave two gaping holes in the Hoops attack which Musonda could easily step up and fill, making a name for himself in the process.
Rodgers must therefore fight tooth and nail to prevent Musonda returning to Chelsea, which would be the biggest mistake of the summer if it happens.