Former Leicester City striker Paul Dickov believes Jeffrey Schlupp could prove a smart signing for Celtic—if the club opts to make his loan move from Crystal Palace permanent this summer. Schlupp, who joined the Hoops in January, is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the season, leaving his future wide open.
Schlupp’s time at Celtic Park has been inconsistent, blending standout moments in the Champions League with some underwhelming domestic displays.
While he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in Europe, he has struggled to find consistency in league and cup outings. Despite this, Dickov sees value in Schlupp’s versatility and experience.
He said: (10bet), “Yeah, I would. I have known Jeffrey since he was a young player at Leicester. He’s got versatility about him. He can play left back, he can play left wing, he can play in centre midfield.
“He started out as a centre forward, as well. I think having a player like that in your team with quality as well that can play a number of positions.
“I don’t know what his situation is at Crystal Palace. It looks as if maybe he is surplus to requirements or they wouldn’t have let him go out and loan in the first place, but I think he’ll be a wonderful signing for Celtic because he’s got a lot of qualities, and as I said, that versatility is going to make him really attractive to sign permanently if he’s available at a good price.”
Despite starting last night against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, Schlupp has been displaced in recent months following the 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, where he was substituted at half-time.
Greg Taylor has returned to the starting XI since then. Taylor himself has yet to sign a new deal, with his contract due to expire in the summer. It means the second left-back slot at Celtic is wide open alongside Kieran Tierney next season, with no confirmation yet on whether either Schlupp or Taylor will sign a contract extension.
Dickov’s comments about Celtic keeping Schlupp will divide the support, given the defender has produced some brilliant performances but also turned in a few particularly concerning displays that saw him substituted.
