Oliver Burke’s Bundesliga Resurgence: Should Celtic Take a Second Chance on the Former Loanee?
Brendan Rodgers’ tenure as Celtic manager has been defined by silverware, style, and success in the transfer market. Across two spells in charge at Parkhead, the Northern Irishman has consistently delivered domestic dominance and played a significant role in reshaping the club’s identity on and off the pitch. From capturing the Invincible Treble in his first stint to introducing fresh faces like Arne Engels, Kasper Schmeichel, and Luke McCowan in his second, Rodgers has shown he has an eye for both proven talent and untapped potential.
However, as with any manager, not every signing has been a masterstroke. The transfer market is never an exact science, and for every Moussa Dembélé or Scott Sinclair, there have been others who failed to make a lasting impact. One such player—often forgotten, but now forcing his way back into relevance—is Oliver Burke, a man Rodgers once described as “phenomenal” when he arrived on loan at Celtic Park in January 2019.
Now, in 2025, Burke is enjoying the best spell of his career in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the door has opened for a potential return to Glasgow. The question is—should Celtic take the plunge once more?
Burke at Celtic: The First Chapter
Oliver Burke joined Celtic on a six-month loan from West Bromwich Albion during the January transfer window of 2019. At the time, he was still just 21 years old, and his career had already seen him move for large fees to clubs like RB Leipzig and West Brom after bursting onto the scene at Nottingham Forest. Burke arrived in Scotland with raw pace, physicality, and Premier League-level athleticism—but with question marks surrounding his footballing intelligence and end product.
Despite flashes of promise, Burke’s spell at Celtic was largely underwhelming. He made 19 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and assisting three more. While he showed potential—particularly with his ability to stretch defences and exploit space—he often appeared one-dimensional and struggled in matches where Celtic dominated possession and needed intricate, precise play in the final third. In the end, Celtic opted not to pursue a permanent deal, and Burke returned to West Brom with his reputation somewhat diminished.
Yet, Brendan Rodgers remained complimentary of the forward, hinting that his potential could still be realised with the right development.
The Journeyman Years
Following his return to England, Burke’s career entered what many saw as a nomadic and uncertain phase. He had short and largely ineffective stints with Alavés in La Liga, Sheffield United, Millwall, and Werder Bremen (initially on loan). He became the archetypal football journeyman—often signed for his pace and power, but never truly settling or delivering consistently at any club.
To many observers, Burke became a cautionary tale: a player who had all the tools to succeed but lacked the consistency and tactical sharpness to make an impact at the highest level. Even his brief moment of history—becoming the second Scottish player to score in La Liga—was seen more as trivia than triumph.
Yet football has a way of offering second chances.
Redemption in the Bundesliga
Now in his second spell with Werder Bremen, Oliver Burke seems to be rewriting the narrative of his career. At 28, an age often considered the beginning of a footballer’s prime, he has finally found rhythm, confidence, and consistency.
This season, Burke has netted five goals in the Bundesliga, including a match-winning brace in a 2-1 away victory over VfB Stuttgart—a result that has reignited Bremen’s European ambitions. If Werder qualify for continental football, it will be their first such achievement in 18 years.
More than just the goals, Burke’s performances have shown maturity. He’s not simply relying on his pace anymore. There’s improved decision-making, sharper movement off the ball, and a stronger sense of responsibility in both attack and defence. Bremen boss Ole Werner has publicly praised the Scottish international and expressed confidence in securing his services for the future: “I’m optimistic and confident about a positive outcome for both sides.”
Still, with Burke’s contract expiring this summer, he is now free to speak with other clubs—and Celtic may be quietly watching.
Celtic’s Perspective: Risk, Reward, and Reunion?
So, should Celtic consider bringing Oliver Burke back to Parkhead? The idea may sound unlikely at first glance, but there are several factors that could make it an attractive proposition.
Pros:
Familiarity with Brendan Rodgers: Burke has already worked with Rodgers, who clearly saw potential in him. Now that Burke is older and more mature, Rodgers may feel he could finally unlock that potential in a more refined system.
European Pedigree: Having played in Germany, Spain, and England, Burke brings continental experience and a level of physicality that could be an asset in Europe—especially in high-tempo Champions League or Europa League matches.
Versatility: Burke can operate as a winger on either flank, as a central striker, or even in a more advanced midfield role. That kind of flexibility could be invaluable to a Celtic side competing on multiple fronts.
Free Transfer: In today’s inflated transfer market, signing a player of Burke’s profile on a free would represent good value, especially with financial prudence still a major consideration for Celtic.
Cons:
Inconsistency and Past Failures: While Burke is in form now, his career has been defined by erratic performances. Celtic would need to be sure that his current resurgence is not just a purple patch.
Wage Demands: Having established himself in the Bundesliga, Burke may command wages beyond Celtic’s structure, particularly if other European clubs also express interest.
Tactical Fit: Celtic often dominate games domestically and rely on intricate, technical play to break down stubborn defences. Burke’s game, which thrives on space and transition, may not always be the best fit for that type of football.
Blocking Youth Pathways: Celtic have a crop of promising young forwards and wingers, including Rocco Vata and Yang Hyun-jun. Committing to Burke could limit their opportunities.
The Verdict: A Gamble Worth Considering?
Football is full of second chances, and Burke’s story may yet come full circle. From a raw loanee in 2019 to a confident, in-form attacker in 2025, Burke’s transformation has been long and winding—but potentially rewarding.
If Rodgers believes he can get more out of Burke now than he could six years ago, and if the financials make sense, a return to Celtic isn’t out of the question. After all, Burke is a rare mix of pace, power, and top-league experience—and under the right circumstances, he could be a game-changer for Celtic’s squad.
But this decision would require careful thought. Celtic must weigh their ambitions in Europe, squad depth, budget, and long-term vision against the potential short-term boost Burke could provide. Signing him would be a statement of faith—not just in Burke, but in Rodgers’ ability to get the best out of players once again.
For Burke, a return to Celtic could be more than just a transfer—it could be a redemption arc. And for Celtic, it could be the perfect low-risk, high-reward move that sparks something special.
What do you think—should Celtic offer Oliver Burke a second chance at glory in Glasgow, or is this a case of looking backwards when the club should be building forward?