This summer is a crucial one in the history of Celtic Football Club. After such a dismal campaign, they will see a number of their players walk through the Parkhead exit door, never to return.

Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer are prime candidates for a departure but the Hoops must also address the exits of a number of loanees.

What’s the word?

Celtic used the loan market wisely this season to fill gaps in their squad.

Jonjoe Kenny replaced Jeremie Frimpong at short notice in January while Diego Laxalt succeeded the selfish Boli Bolingoli at left-back.

However, it doesn’t look as though we’ll ever see Laxalt in a Celtic shirt again.

The Hoops were pondering a £7.2m move for the Uruguayan but due to his form in the final weeks of the season, they’ve decided against a permanent switch.

That’s according to Il Milanista (via Sport Witness) who reveal the Bhoys have performed a U-turn on the defender.

They suggest that Milan were ready to negotiate a deal with Celtic but the Glaswegian side abruptly changed their mind right at the end of the season.

Consequently, Laxalt will return to Italy in time for the next campaign.

Fans must be elated

This news is likely to go down incredibly well with the fan base at Paradise.

They’ve not had much to cheer about this season but seeing Laxalt walk out the exit door will be a welcome sight.

At points, he’s looked the full package for Celtic. It’s not often you’ll sign a player from one of Europe’s elite clubs with plenty of international caps.

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Unfortunately, he’s not lived up to his full billing consistently enough. From a defensive point of view, he’s been incredibly abject.

Laxalt has been impressive going forward but when it comes to actions inside his own half, there is a lot to be desired.

The full-back was run ragged by Lawrence Shankland in the 0-0 draw with Dundee United before Joe Aribo left him dazed and perplexed during their Scottish Cup defeat to Rangers.

As they crashed out to their biggest rivals, the Uruguay international was described as a “horror show” by ACSOM host Paul John Dykes.

It was easy to see why. He was caught up the field as Aribo burst forward for Rangers’ opening goal and then was beaten all ends up for the second strike.

The Gers winger took up possession and twisted this way and that before leaving Laxalt for dust.

With Greg Taylor and then Adam Montgomery usurping him in the pecking order during the final weeks of the season, it will come as no surprise to see the left-back depart.

He has been disappointing for a number of months now; supporters will be all too pleased to see him depart for good.

AND in other news, Celtic chiefs must be grinning from ear to ear after exciting £70m claim...