Jeffrey Schlupp’s arrival at Celtic on transfer deadline day didn’t come with major expectations, but after a series of standout performances, the question now arises: Should the club look to sign him permanently in the summer?

Schlupp, 32, started his second match in a row after arriving on loan from Crystal Palace, and he quickly proved his worth.

His full 90-minute display in Munich against Bayern was arguably his best yet, winning more duels than any other player on the pitch and locking down key threats like Michael Olise.

Celtic may have fallen short in the Champions League, but Schlupp’s versatility, experience, and physicality stood out in a team that needed all of those qualities.

With Kieran Tierney returning in the summer, many fans would expect the Arsenal player to be the undisputed first choice. However, given Tierney’s injury history, it would be reckless to assume he can play 50+ games in a season.

Greg Taylor’s future remains uncertain, with Dinamo Zagreb reportedly interested, and while Taylor has been a reliable performer, Schlupp offers a more physical and dynamic alternative in certain games.

The key factor in all of this is that Schlupp is out of contract in the summer, meaning Celtic could sign him for free. Given his Premier League and Champions League experience, along with his ability to play left-back, midfield, and even in attack, it seems like a logical move for Celtic to secure him permanently.

Celtic don’t need to break the bank to sign Schlupp, and his performances already suggest he could play a key role in the squad next season, whether as Tierney’s deputy or as a versatile squad player who can fill multiple roles.

At 32, he’s not a long-term solution, but a free transfer for a player of his calibre is rare—and Celtic would be wise to take advantage.