Celtic “reluctant” to let Afolabi leave on loan amid Championship interest
Oliver Birch 
Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Sport
Celtic look set to have a decision to make over the short-term future of Jonathan Afolabi, amid interest from a number of English Championship sides.
That’s according to The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin, who has been informed that “several” clubs from the Championship are keen on signing Afolabi on loan, though Celtic are said to be “reluctant” to let the forward leave.
Twitter: Sources tell @TheAthleticUK that several English Championship clubs have enquired about Jonathan Afolabi’s loan ava… https://t.co/P7k9m7ShxN (@NoNotThatDevlin)
READ CELTIC VERDICT
The Hoops’ apparent reluctance to allow Afolabi to leave on loan in January is hardly surprising.
Though the former Southampton man is yet to make his senior debut following his summer move to Celtic, he has caught Neil Lennon’s eye.
The Celtic boss has previously been reported as being seriously impressed by Afolabi in training, with Lenny seeing him as a player who can give the Hoops a “new dimension.”
Lennon has also watched Afolabi in person earlier this season in a Jock Stein Friendship Cup match against Albion Rovers, and the forward impressed with two of Celtic’s three goals in a 3-0 victory.
JOCK STEIN FRIENDSHIP CUP
Celtic XI v Albion Rovers
Full time at Cliftonhill, 3️⃣-0️⃣ and Celtic retain the Cup. Goals: Afalabi 2, Dembele.
Good performance from the Bhoys in front of the Manager. #COYBIG
🍀— Celtic FC Academy (@CelticFCAcademy) October 1, 2019
Celtic therefore seem understandably keen to keep hold of Afolabi this month, and an opportunity in the first-team could be on the horizon, especially following Scott Sinclair’s departure to Preston.
We have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of Scott Sinclair to @pnefc.
All the best, @Scotty_Sinclair, and thank you for your wonderful service 💚🌩 https://t.co/RsSDZ1Or1V pic.twitter.com/QsU8IdRwE8
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 8, 2020
Lewis Morgan is another who is set to leave the club this month after Celtic accepted a transfer offer from Inter Miami, further emphasising why the Hoops appear keen to keep hold of Afolabi.
