Free agent Jeffrey Schlupp back on Celtic’s radar

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The Celtic Star

·16 juillet 2025

Free agent Jeffrey Schlupp back on Celtic’s radar

Now here’s a development that’s caught a few of us on the hop. According to a report from AfricaFoot, Celtic are back in the frame to sign Jeffrey Schlupp on a permanent deal, after the Ghanaian international spent the back half of last season on loan at the club.

Jeffrey Schlupp of Celtic FC controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between FC Bayern München and Celtic FC at on February 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

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Here’s the Jeffrey Schlupp update

‘Free of contract since July 1, 2025, Ghanaian international Jeffrey Schlupp is not expected to remain without a club for long. Several teams are already in the running to secure his services this summer.

Last season, Schlupp was on loan at Celtic FC in Glasgow, Scotland. Back at Crystal Palace at the end of this season, he saw his contract expire in the aftermath, officially placing him on the market.

According to information from Africafoot, several clubs are closely following the versatile left midfielder. Celtic would like to recruit him permanently, and above all without a transfer fee. Other suitors are also in the running, including Hull City, Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion.’

Jeffrey Schlupp at Ibrox. theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Schlupp in now a free agent

With his contract at Crystal Palace having expired on July 1st, the versatile midfielder is now a free agent – and that, it seems, has pricked up the ears at Celtic.

Schlupp’s loan spell was solid if unspectacular. He offered experience, a decent engine, and did what was asked of him without ever truly grabbing games by the scruff of the neck. While he didn’t quite set pulses racing or make himself undroppable, he rarely let the side down either.

And in a summer where value for money will no doubt be key, whether we agree with it or not, a player of Jeffrey Schlupp’s profile – versatile, seasoned, and now available without a transfer fee – may appeal to Celtic’s recruitment team, especially as they look to strengthen without stretching the budget.

Jeffrey Schlupp celebrates. St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Kieran Tierney plus one is the Celtic left-back plan

The thinking seems fairly straightforward. With Kieran Tierney returning to the club, Celtic will need someone who can rotate in, offer experience, and slot in without too much fuss. Schlupp, with his Premier League nous and flexibility (he can play left midfield, left back, and even centrally), might just tick that box. But it’s a far cry from the younger signings many hoped would perhaps come in at left-back

However, Celtic have competition if they want this deal done. The same AfricaFoot report names Hull City, Sheffield United, and West Brom among those circling the player. So, if Celtic are serious, they’ll perhaps need to move quickly.

ZILINA – Milion Manhoef of Holland U21, U 21 Flavio Nazinho of Portugal U21, Paulo Bernardo of Portugal U21 l-r at the MSK Zilina Stadium during the quarterfinal European Championship, EM, Europameisterschaft under-21 duel between Portugal and Jong Oranje. ANP

A younger alternative in Flavio Nazinho is also being pursued

But the more intriguing sub-plot here is the apparent interest in Flavio Nazinho, the Portuguese U21 international currently with Cercle Brugge. Nazinho is a more modern full-back, younger, developing well, and arguably closer to what fans imagined when talk of freshening up the left flank began. At 21, and with a high ceiling, he’d be a long-term project – but perhaps a more expensive one.

Hayato Inamura of Celtic Cork City v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork, Ireland – 08 Jul 2025Cork SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh Ireland. Photo Lorraine O’Sullivan Shutterstock

New signing Hatato Inamura could force his way into the manager’s plans

Which leads us to an obvious conundrum – there’s only room for one left-back signing this summer. Hayato Inamura, the Japanese youth international, has already joined Celtic as one for the future, so there’s probably a numbers game in play. The board won’t likely sanction three left-sided options in one window. Someone’s going to miss out.

So who will it be? The seasoned all-rounder Schlupp, who brings experience but little excitement if the truth be told? Or the youthful promise of Nazinho, who may take time to settle but could bring flair and long-term value?

Schlupp might be the pragmatic option, but for a club aiming to make an impact in Europe and defend domestic honours, pragmatism might not be enough.

Niall J

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