Celtic Weighs January Loan Move for Joel van den Berg

Celtic are considering a January loan move for 19-year-old Dutch midfielder Joel van den Berg if he cannot secure regular first-team opportunities, according to reports published by Football Insider and The Herald on October 20, 2026. The Glasgow club signed him from PSV Eindhoven during the summer for £3.4 million but has yet to give him his competitive debut.

The potential move would allow Van den Berg to gain playing experience during the second half of the season rather than spend more time on the sidelines. Football Insider reported that Celtic want to protect the midfielder's development while assessing whether he can contribute to the senior team before January.

Van den Berg has not appeared in a matchday squad for manager Martin O'Neill since September 9, according to Football Insider. His current position in the squad hierarchy has limited his opportunities, although Celtic have not ruled out using him as midfield cover if injuries affect the team.

The club's decision will depend partly on its midfield options and whether Van den Berg receives meaningful playing time before the winter transfer window. Football Insider reported that Celtic are reluctant to let him leave on loan if doing so would leave the squad short of available midfielders.

Van den Berg arrived from PSV after making his first appearances for the Dutch club's senior team during the previous season. According to Football Insider, he recorded five appearances in the Eredivisie, performances that helped persuade Celtic to pay £3.4 million for his services.

The midfielder also spent the entirety of pre-season with PSV before completing his move to Scotland late in the summer transfer window. That timing meant he joined Celtic without having completed the club's full pre-season preparations, while adjusting to a new country, culture and group of teammates.

Celtic regard the Netherlands Under-19 international as a long-term prospect, according to Football Insider. However, the club must weigh that development plan against the need to provide competitive minutes, with a temporary move remaining an option if his first-team situation does not improve.

Football Insider also reported separate concerns surrounding Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston, whose future at the club is uncertain. The 27-year-old Scotland international has yet to make a league appearance this season and is approaching the end of his contract, which expires at the end of the campaign.

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Ralston had become a victim of what he described as the club's "dysfunctional" setup. Wyness believes the right-back still has something to offer Celtic despite his limited role, according to the outlet.

Ralston's contract situation adds another personnel question for Celtic as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Van den Berg's immediate future remains tied to his opportunities under O'Neill, with the club expected to assess whether a January loan would best serve the young midfielder's development without weakening its midfield options.