WHATEVER HAPPENED TO…OLI BURKE?
Oli Burke’s Unfulfilled Promise: From Record Fees to Rebuilding in Berlin
When Oli Burke arrived at Celtic on a short-term loan from West Bromwich Albion in January 2019, expectations were high. The Scottish international forward, just 21 years old at the time, carried with him the weight of a big reputation and a hefty price tag. Over the course of his career to that point, he had been involved in transfer deals totaling around £28 million, moving between clubs such as Nottingham Forest, RB Leipzig, and West Brom. Many saw his move to Celtic as an opportunity for him to reignite his career and showcase the potential that had once made him one of the most talked-about young players in British football.
However, Burke’s stint in Glasgow failed to live up to the hype. He became one of Brendan Rodgers’ final signings during the manager’s first spell in charge of the Hoops. Just a month after Burke’s arrival, Rodgers departed for Leicester City, leaving the forward to adjust under incoming manager Neil Lennon. Despite being given opportunities, Burke struggled to find form and consistency. He managed just four goals in 19 appearances across all competitions, a return that did little to convince Lennon or the Celtic board to make his stay permanent.
His time at Celtic ended on a disappointing note. He was left out of the matchday squad for the 2019 Scottish Cup Final against Hearts, with then-teenager Karamoko Dembele named on the bench instead. Celtic went on to win 2-1, with Odsonne Edouard scoring both goals, while Burke watched from the sidelines, his brief spell at Parkhead concluding without a major impact.
Following his underwhelming spell in Scotland, Burke returned to England to join Sheffield United. Yet again, consistent form eluded him. A second chance in the Bundesliga came when he signed for Werder Bremen, but that too ended in frustration. Burke scored only twice in 15 appearances for the German side, leading to another loan move — this time to Millwall in January 2023. Despite hopes for a resurgence, he failed to impress, continuing the pattern of inconsistency that had plagued his senior career.
Later that year, in September 2023, Burke agreed to a season-long deal with Birmingham City. However, his fortunes did not improve. The club endured a tough campaign that ended in relegation to League One, and Burke’s personal stats were stark: he failed to register a single goal or assist in 23 appearances. For a player once seen as one of Scotland’s brightest attacking prospects, it was another low point.
Internationally, Burke has made 13 appearances for the Scotland national team, though his last cap came some time ago as his form at club level waned. At 28, his career has been a tale of unfulfilled promise, marked by short stints and sporadic performances.
Most recently, Burke departed Werder Bremen at the conclusion of his contract and signed with Union Berlin. There, he joins former Celtic teammate Josip Juranovic, who made the switch to the German capital in January 2023. Now at another crossroads, Burke will be hoping that a fresh start in Berlin can finally offer the stability and platform he needs to reignite his career and deliver on the potential that once made him a sought-after talent across Europe.