Celtic FC is edging closer to reinforcing its squad with the expected loan signing of Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace, as the January transfer window looms to a close. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Scottish club has reached a verbal agreement to secure the versatile 32-year-old player for the remainder of the season.
Romano shared on social media, "Jeff Schlupp from Palace to Celtic, here we go! Verbal agreement done on straight loan, no buy option. Deal in place." With this agreement, Celtic FC aims to bolster its ranks as they seek to challenge for trophies this season.
Schlupp, who can adeptly fill various roles including left-back, midfielder, and forward, first joined Palace from Leicester City back in January 2017. Since then, he has become a staple for the Eagles, making over 245 appearances and scoring 40 goals during his time at the club.
Despite his experience and contributions, Schlupp's playing time has significantly dwindled this season. He has accumulated only 173 minutes across all competitions, struggling to secure starting positions under current manager Oliver Glasner. His diminished role evidences the urgent need for change, potentially paving the way for his move to Scottish football.
Celtic's need for cover at left-back has grown more pressing, particularly as current options dwindled with the early exit of Alex Valle, whose loan from Barcelona ended prematurely. The only remaining left-back option for manager Brendan Rodgers is Greg Taylor, heightening their pursuit of Schlupp.
The Bhoys had previously explored options to re-sign Kieran Tierney from Arsenal on a permanent basis, but it was confirmed he will return to Celtic only at the end of the current season. Though the club has put on hold plans for Tierney, Schlupp emerges as the timely solution to bolster their left flank.
Schlupp's extensive Premier League experience is invaluable, particularly as Celtic eye deep runs both domestically and on the European stage. With Champions League football on offer at Celtic Park, the opportunity is likely enticing for the Ghanaian international, who has expressed his interest to seize this chance for more active engagement on the field.
Meanwhile, the clock ticks down on the transfer window, making time a factor. Celtic is focused on finalizing not only Schlupp's transfer but also the addition of another forward to compensate for recent departures. A push for additional signings seems necessary as Brendan Rodgers contemplates the best pathway to maintain squad depth going forward.
Despite rumors linking Schlupp with teams from the Championship earlier this transfer window, including interests from Coventry and Blackburn Rovers, the prospect of playing for Celtic appears to have solidified his intentions toward the move north.
According to recent reports, Schlupp's medical is now imminent as Celtic aims to cement the deal. The player, having won the Premier League title with Leicester City during the 2015-2016 season, brings with him the depth of experience and resilience needed during this pivotal time of the season for Celtic FC.
The excitement among the Celtic fanbase is palpable, as they look forward to welcoming Schlupp—a player who could provide not just coverage but also additional tactical options for Rodgers as they head toward the business end of the season.
With the January transfer deadline fast approaching, Celtic must act swiftly to finalize the deal before the window closes. The addition of Schlupp is expected to be formalized soon, as fans await the traditional photo over the club scarf, signaling yet another phase of their pursuit for silverware this season.
Overall, as Celtic wraps up its transfer dealings, the arrival of Jeffrey Schlupp heralds not just depth but also versatility, two qualities they desperately require as they aim to maintain their competitive edge across all fronts this season.