Brendan Rodgers has remained tight-lipped on whether Celtic will pursue a permanent deal for Jeffrey Schlupp this summer but has been full of praise for the versatile Ghanaian.
Schlupp, who joined on loan from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day, has impressed in his short time at Parkhead, particularly in the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, where he was one of Celtic’s standout performers.
While Greg Taylor’s future remains uncertain and Kieran Tierney is set to return in the summer. Celtic will need a left-back if Taylor does indeed leave, and Schlupp could be their man.
Schlupp’s contract at Palace expires at the end of the season, meaning he could be available on a free transfer.
Rodgers acknowledged Schlupp’s quality but didn’t commit to any long-term plans:
“He fits what we do here which is the reason why we brought him,” he said to Celtic TV.
“I’d obviously spoken to Jeff in the summer with an idea of bringing him here then and then it worked out that we couldn’t get him here. There was a possibility that Kieran Tierney was coming back so we left it late. But obviously when that was the case he definitely wasn’t able to come back then Jeff was my first port of call really.
“You can see he has fantastic attributes, his physicality in the game. I thought he was brilliant the other night having to get through the game like he did.
“He was absolutely superb in the game. He settled in really well. He’s only been here a few weeks but he’s settling into the rhythm of the team which takes a bit of time.
“He’s a good guy. He’s come here, fit in very easily and very well.”
With Taylor’s future uncertain, Tierney’s injury record a concern, and Schlupp’s ability to cover multiple positions, Celtic may be tempted to offer him a permanent deal—especially if he continues to perform at a high level.
Schlupp himself didn’t give too much away about his future, saying he was focused on winning the league and Scottish Cup for the Hoops.
“Yeah, everyone’s asking that question but again, I’ve come here on loan to the end of the season, anything beyond that is out of my control at the minute.”
“I’ve just got to focus on the league for now. You know, I want to win the league, I want to win the cup and then what will be, will be.”
As the summer draws closer, a clearer picture of Schlupp’s future will be painted.
