Any new Celtic signings from the EU must now qualify through a specially selected appeals panel, according to the BBC.
The temporary measure is being put in place ahead of next month’s transfer window. This is due to the fact the Brexit transition period ends on December 31st.
The BBC has reported that discussions on a future transfer framework for the summer and beyond are ongoing. These talks are happening between the Scottish football joint response group and the Home Office.
In England, a points-based system will be used to determine whether clubs can sign EU-based players. This will be dependent on a variety of factors. Club appearances, international and youth appearances, as well as the prestige of the selling club all come into effect. English clubs can no longer sign EU players under the age of 18.
However, in Scotland, the BBC believes things will be a touch different. Instead, the appeals panel will use a similar methodology to the process for signings outwith the EU.
Celtic have had trouble with this in the past
This will be a problem undoubtedly. The Hoops have had problems in getting non-EU players available to play for them. Andrew Gutman and Manny Perez, for example, signed in January 2019 and have had to spend almost two years back home in the USA.
Neil Lennon has already touched on this however. Celtic have had discussions about the situation and it looks as though we’ll be targeting the UK market.
Speaking in comments published by the BBC last week, Lennon said: “We have looked at that and we’re probably looking at the British market more than anything else.
“I think it’s going to be difficult after the end of the year to get players in from the continent as far as we’re aware, so Nick [Hammond and his recruitment team and obviously the board are looking into that ways we can if you want to bring players on what’s the right way, in accordance with the laws now, of going about that.”
Celtic have been linked with the likes of Mark McKenzie (Sky Sports) and Omar Colley (Sky Sports) in recent months. Both players are based in the USA and Italy respectively. Given Lennon’s comments, it looks like we could give that a body swerve in January.
Details on how the appeals process will work have yet to be reported. There is still no confirmation as to whether it will be more difficult to sign EU players over non-EU players.
But at this early stage as we trickle into January, expect Celtic to shop at home next month.
In other news, Celtic have been warned about this area of the team; it’s time to get serious tomorrow night .
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