CHARLY MUSONDA was a much-hyped loan signing by Brendan Rodgers from Chelsea on an 18-month deal in January 2018.
The move was heralded as a signing coup for the Hoops boss with the Belgian, then an exciting 21-year-old prospect, on the wanted list of a host of interested clubs, headed by Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Musonda joined at the turn of the year, but, apart from a praiseworthy cameo appearance when he set up Callum McGregor for the only goal against Zenit St Petersburg a month after his arrival, he failed to impress and made only three starts in five outings.
He was returned to the Stamford Bridge with 12 months of the contract still to run.
ON THE RUN…Charly Musonda in a rare Celtic appearance against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
The London club freed him in June last year with Musonda making a mere seven outings since progressing through the youth ranks, having joined the club in 2012.
Celtic were one of three clubs who took the attacking middle-of-the park performer on loan with the Brussels-born player also having spells at La Liga outfit Real Betis and Dutch side Vitesse.
Before being released last year, Musonda spent two seasons playing for the Chelsea Under-23 side before being released by the-then boss Thomas Tuchel.
He had a trial at Belgian club Zule Waregrem, but went AWOL before signing his contract offer.
Musonda, now 27, agreed a two-year deal with Spanish second-tier outfit Levante in August 2022. He made 17 appearances, but failed to score a solitary goal.
He moved onto Getafe in January 2023 and was released in September after just six first-team games. He signed for Cypriot top-tier side Anorthosis Famagusta in the same month.
* TOMORROW: Don’t miss the adventures of another former Celt in CQN’s EXCLUSIVE series.
