Celtic FC: A Last-Minute Offer to Sign Premier League Ace Jeffrey Schlupp

As the January transfer window draws to a close, Celtic FC is scrambling to finalize their squad for the second half of the season. With only a matter of hours left to do business, the Hoops are working tirelessly to bring in some much-needed reinforcements.

One player who has caught Celtic’s eye is Crystal Palace full-back Jeffrey Schlupp. According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, the Hoops have made an offer to sign the 32-year-old ace on loan until the end of the season.

The deal, which is reportedly close to being agreed between the two sides, would see Schlupp make the move to Parkhead for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, before returning to Selhurst Park in the summer.

Schlupp, who has been hailed as “fantastic” by Eagles boss Oliver Glasner, is a vastly experienced player who could be a great asset to Celtic’s squad. With 280 Premier League appearances under his belt, he would bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Hoops’ dressing room.

One of the key benefits of signing Schlupp is his versatility. The Ghana international has been deployed in a plethora of positions throughout his career, including centre-back, left-back, defensive midfield, central midfield, and left wing.

This means that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers could use him to fill gaps in the team in various areas, if needed, due to injuries or suspensions in the second half of the campaign.

Left-back could be Schlupp’s main position for the Hoops, however, after Alex Valle’s loan was cut short. He would have to fight with Greg Taylor for a starting spot, but his experience and quality would make him a strong contender for the position.

Schlupp’s stats from the past two seasons make for impressive reading. He has made 41 appearances in the English top-flight since the start of last season, scoring four goals and providing four assists.

His duel success rate of 50% in the 2023/24 season is also noteworthy, demonstrating his ability to win the ball back and make an impact in the opposition’s half.

Celtic’s interest in Schlupp is not new, however. According to Joseph, the Hoops made an enquiry about a potential deal to sign the 32-year-old ace in the summer transfer window last year.

This suggests that Schlupp has been a long-term target for Rodgers, and the Celtic manager will be hoping to finally get his man before the transfer window closes tonight.

Kieran Tierney is due to sign on a free transfer in the summer, and it appears as though Schlupp has been targeted as a stop-gap until the Scotland international’s deal with Arsenal expires at the end of the season.

If Celtic can pull off the signing of Schlupp, it would be a major coup for the club. The 32-year-old ace would bring a level of quality and experience to the Hoops’ squad that would be hard to match.

As the clock ticks down to the transfer deadline, Celtic fans will be eagerly awaiting any news on Schlupp’s future. Will the Hoops be able to secure his signature, or will Crystal Palace hold firm and keep their prized asset? Only time will tell.