Odin Thiago Holm’s long-awaited debut for LAFC may have been brief, but it marks an important milestone in his loan spell and could be the beginning of a crucial period in his development. The Norwegian midfielder, who joined the MLS side on January 13th, had to wait for his first opportunity to feature due to the league’s season only beginning in mid-February. His introduction in the final moments of LAFC’s 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City may not have given him much time to showcase his abilities, but it at least gets his first minutes out of the way and allows him to start settling into his new surroundings.
For Holm, this loan move represents a vital opportunity to gain the regular game time that eluded him at Celtic. Since joining the Hoops from Vålerenga in the summer of 2023, he has struggled to break into Brendan Rodgers’ first team. While he arrived with a reputation as a promising young midfielder, the reality of competing in a squad filled with experienced and established options made it difficult for him to make an impact. With players like Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, and Paulo Bernardo firmly ahead of him in the pecking order, Holm was often limited to sporadic appearances off the bench or in cup competitions. Even when he did play, he struggled to fully adapt to the demands of Celtic’s system, and Rodgers clearly felt he needed more experience before he could be trusted with a bigger role.
That led to the decision to send him on loan, and while a move to MLS might not have been the most obvious choice, LAFC presents an interesting challenge for him. The club has established itself as one of the strongest sides in Major League Soccer, regularly competing for silverware and playing an attractive, possession-based style of football. For Holm, this should provide an environment where he can develop his technical skills, improve his physicality, and gain the confidence that comes with playing regularly. If he can earn a place in LAFC’s starting XI and deliver strong performances, it could significantly improve his chances of making a meaningful impact upon his return to Celtic.
The structure of his loan deal, which runs through the 2025 MLS season, means that he won’t return to Glasgow until the winter transfer window. That gives him plenty of time to adapt to his new surroundings, prove himself, and build momentum. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether he can force his way into LAFC’s plans on a more regular basis. The fact that he was only given three minutes in his debut suggests he still has work to do to earn the trust of his new manager, but now that he’s made his first appearance, the hope will be that he gets more chances to showcase his talent.
From Celtic’s perspective, this loan move is a calculated gamble. If Holm thrives in MLS, he could return to Scotland with more experience and confidence, ready to compete for a place in the squad. However, if he struggles for minutes or fails to impress, it could push him closer to a permanent exit. At just 22 years old, Holm still has time to develop, but the next year could be a defining period in his career. A strong loan spell at LAFC could put him in contention for a future at Celtic, while a disappointing stint might lead to the club looking to move him on permanently.
The bigger question is whether Holm has a long-term future at Celtic at all. When he was signed, there was hope that he could develop into a key player for the club, but with the midfield competition as strong as ever, it’s hard to see where he fits in. Players like Bernardo and O’Riley have continued to improve, while Celtic are always likely to strengthen further in the transfer market. That means Holm would need to show significant progress at LAFC to convince Rodgers that he’s worth reintegrating into the squad.
Alternatively, if he impresses in MLS, it could attract interest from clubs in the United States or even Europe, potentially paving the way for a permanent move. Given the increasing competitiveness of MLS and the fact that European clubs regularly scout the league for talent, a strong season with LAFC could open up a range of possibilities for him. It’s also worth considering that some players have thrived in MLS before making successful returns to Europe. If Holm can adapt well to the league and showcase his potential, he could either work his way back into Celtic’s plans or earn a move elsewhere that suits his development.
Ultimately, the key for Holm will be how he performs over the next few months. If he can establish himself as a regular in LAFC’s lineup and contribute meaningfully, it could change the trajectory of his career. If he continues to struggle for minutes, though, questions will be raised about whether he has what it takes to make it at a club like Celtic.
What do you think? Does Holm have a realistic chance of breaking into Celtic’s team in the future, or does this loan spell feel like the first step toward a permanent exit?