The departure of Patryk Klimala marks the end of another bizarre recent chapter in Celtic’s transfer history.
Bought from Polish side Jagiellonia for 4M euros in January 2020 the role for the young striker never seemed obvious, much like Vakoun Bayo and Maria Shved the year before.
Playing minutes were scarce last season as Leigh Griffiths suddenly rediscovered form, firing in the goals and forming a productive partnership with Odsonne Edouard after Celtic switched to playing with two strikers.
Over Lockdown Polish Paddy hit the weights, bulked up and got a har cut but still he failed to convince in his limited appearances.
When Griffiths returned out of shape it should have opened the door to Klimala but Neil Lennon wasn’t convinced although in the October Glasgow Derby he started with a strike force of Klimala and Moi Elyounoussi.
A new manager suggested a new start next season for the Polish u-21 internationalist but the offer from New York RB seemed to suit all parties.
The RB network is famous for the background work and analysis that they put into signings, what they discovered at Celtic is anyone’s business, 15 months after signing it is all over at Celtic for Klimala.
Patryk Klimala has joined @NewYorkRedBulls on a permanent basis.
Everyone at #CelticFC thanks @KlimalaPatryk for his contribution to the club and wishes him every success in the future. ?
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 22, 2021
Looks like PL is sorting out his bonus money before he goes
— Joe Dabernig (@JoeDabernig) April 22, 2021
Whoever bought him, obviously with no wingers in the squad the manager was never going to play with 2 up
— Tigertim Esq (@asmallteaser) April 22, 2021
Joins the long list of player who should’ve had more game time
— Joe (@Joe__TD) April 22, 2021
Best of luck Patryk ???
— Celtic Curio (@Celticcurio) April 22, 2021
I still have no idea how good a player he is and a lot of that is down to the way the team management has been managed, I’m sure he’ll get more of a chance there anyway good luck Paddy! ?
— LouMun 67 (@lfmunro) April 22, 2021
I mind they got a polish football guy on super scoreboard and he seemed bemused we were after him. Tbf to him, he never got much of a chance. Yet another waste of time signing
— Kenny Lindsay (@Kenny_Lindsay) April 22, 2021
Still think he wasn’t given a fair crack at it. Saw glimpses of a really promising young player. Hardly surprising he left when he was left on the bench at the start of the season, preferring to play a midfielder up front who can’t hit a barn door from 10 yards out.
— Stephen Rennie (@Loch_Ren_Monsta) April 22, 2021
Based on the amount of game time he got, we did not see his potential. Enjoy New York. Brilliant city!
— Eddy Grady (@EddyGrady) April 22, 2021
Never given a chance and just sums up this shambles of a season. Quality player. ? ? pic.twitter.com/yB0Op4oJQS
— Paul (@phford40) April 22, 2021
Can’t believe this didn’t work out, who could have guessed?
— SeánSeosamh ? (@seanseosamh34) April 22, 2021
