2pm Phone Call – Inside Celtic’s Last Minute Deadline Day Move

Celtic’s deadline day signing Jeffrey Schlupp has lifted the lid on just how last-minute his move to Parkhead was, revealing that he only found out about the Hoops’ interest at 2pm on deadline day—just nine hours before the window closed.

2SC7068 Celtic’s Jeffrey Schlupp during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Wednesday February 5, 2025.

The versatile Ghanaian international, who joined on loan from Crystal Palace until the end of the season, was brought in to provide cover at left-back and add depth across multiple positions. Celtic had gone into the final day of the window desperately needing both a left-back and a striker, and while they landed Schlupp, the club failed to secure a new forward following Kyogo’s departure.

Speaking about his move, Schlupp admitted it all happened incredibly fast:

“About 2 o’clock, 2pm on deadline day, actually,” he told Celtic TV.

“Yeah, it sort of came about that there was a chance to come here on loan to the end of the season.

“And obviously, I was like, yeah, I’m up for it. Spoke to the gaffer again, maybe an hour after that. Said that the deal was on if I fancied it.

“And then it was an easy decision for me. You know, I headed straight down to London to do the medical. And then next morning I had to straight up to Glasgow. So yeah, busy, busy couple of days. But that’s what I found out.”

Schlupp’s admission suggests a lack of clear planning on Celtic’s part heading into deadline day. The club’s need for reinforcements was well-known, yet it seems they were scrambling for solutions right up until the final hours.

While Schlupp is undoubtedly a good addition, his arrival doesn’t mask the fact that Celtic failed to land a striker—something Brendan Rodgers had made clear was a priority.

Despite the rushed nature of the deal, Schlupp is eager to make an impact in Glasgow. His versatility will be a major asset, and fans will be hoping he can hit the ground running as Celtic chase domestic success and prepare for the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

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