Celtic must accept Colby Donovan loan offer as situation becomes clearer

Celtic have to loan Colby Donovan out to another Premiership club this summer after it was confirmed that he still has two years left on his current contract.

Donovan ended the 2025-26 season on the sidelines with a hamstring injury after finding his way into the starting eleven before the Premiership split.

The 19-year-old started the campaign as Celtic’s third-choice right-back but managed to make 27 appearances and register four assists in the process.

He clearly has a high ceiling, which is why many fans were confused when reports emerged that he was set to leave as a free agent this summer.

Donovan’s existing Hoops contract does not actually expire until 2028, but he should be sent out on loan considering their current situation.

Colby Donovan loan is a no-brainer as he builds valuable senior experience

19-year-old Donovan has stepped up to be a regular in Celtic’s senior squad after working his way up their youth ranks.

Football Insider recently revealed that Donovan could leave Celtic on loan ahead of next season, and that seems very likely to happen now that his contract terms have been cleared up.

The Celtic Way have reported that, contrary to some claims that Donovan was set to walk away from Parkhead as a free agent this summer, his deal does not expire until 2028.

Alistair Johnston is set to enter next term as the Hoops’ first-choice right-back after a full recovery from injury, while Anthony Ralston has one year left on his deal as it stands.

It makes sense for whoever the next Celtic manager is to trust in his two senior options and assess Ralston’s future next season, leaving Donovan to go out on loan.

He has impressed, but also shown some signs of inexperience, and would definitely benefit from a season at another Premiership side with lower expectations where he can play every week at first-team level.

Julian Araujo deal could also play a part in Donovan’s future at Celtic

Mexican right-back Araujo impressed after joining Celtic on loan from Bournemouth in the January window.

The 24-year-old played 13 times for the Hoops before picking up a season-ending thigh injury in March, and became a real fan favourite at Parkhead.

He has hinted at wanting to stay at Celtic beyond this season, but further talks are yet to be held as they focus on appointing a new boss.

If the Hoops do look to re-sign Araujo on loan for next term, then Donovan would be even more likely to leave temporarily this summer.