Celtic are believed to be monitoring the situation of Crystal Palace youth player Jesse Derry, as the teenager edges closer to the exit door at Selhurst Park. The 17-year-old winger is attracting widespread attention, and reports suggest both Celtic and Rangers are keen to sign him this summer.
Derry, the son of former Palace midfielder Shaun Derry, has come through the ranks at Palace but has reportedly chosen not to sign a professional contract. With his deal set to run out at the end of the season, clubs across the UK and Europe are on alert, knowing only a training compensation fee would be required to bring him in.
The winger has impressed within Palace’s youth system and has already featured at under-21 level despite his age. His performances have earned him recognition at international level with England’s U18s, and his refusal to commit his future to Palace has opened the door for clubs looking to snap up emerging talent.
Celtic are understood to have registered their interest, viewing Derry as a player with serious potential who could develop well in Glasgow.
The pathway to the Celtic first team hasn’t always been straightforward in recent years. Several young players have found it difficult to break into the senior squad regularly, with competition for places and expectations high. Even those who have impressed at youth level have often needed to prove themselves in the B team or go out on loan before being considered for the first-team.
Still, for a player willing to back himself and take on the challenge, Celtic could offer a long-term platform to shine. And while Rangers are reportedly in the mix as well, it will come down to which club can best lay out a vision for Derry’s future development — both on and off the pitch.
