Celtic’s astute transfer dealings have once again paid dividends, this time in the form of a £300k windfall following the transfer of former academy prospect Leo Hjelde from Leeds to Sunderland.
The Black Cats, now managed by Michael Beale, former Ibrox gaffer, have secured Hjelde’s signature, triggering a financial boon for Celtic due to a savvy clause inserted by the club.
Two and a half years ago, when Hjelde made the move from Celtic to Leeds, the Parkhead negotiators had the foresight to include a 15% sell-on clause in the agreement. This clause has now matured, with SunSport reporting that Hjelde’s latest transfer has lined Celtic’s pockets with a substantial sum.
The irony of the situation is not lost on the Celtic faithful. Beale, who was previously at the helm of Ibrox and faced dismissal in part due to Celtic’s overwhelming form, is now inadvertently contributing to Celtic’s financial health in his new role at Sunderland.
His tenure at Sunderland has not been smooth, with the team struggling to find form under his leadership.
This episode not only highlights Celtic’s shrewdness in the transfer market but also brings a sense of poetic justice, as Beale, once a rival, now plays a part in bolstering Celtic’s resources. The bhoys don’t have their own troubles to seek in the transfer market with Michael Nicholson and Brendan Rodgers unable to bring in quality reinforcements to the club.
With the transfer window closing on Thursday, time is about to be up.
