Summer transfer window boost for Celtic and Scottish football

By John McGinley

February 1, 2021

Celtic will be able to sign players from Europe as normal through the upcoming summer transfer window, The Scottish Daily Mail reports (01/02 print edition, back page).

Due to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, there have been fears that clubs in Scotland may not have the ability to sign players from Europe in the same way as they do now.

Special dispensation was given for the January transfer window due to it coming immediately after Brexit.

However, a deal has now been struck between the Scottish FA and Home Office. It extends that agreement through the summer transfer window.

The Home Secretary has written to SFA chief Ian Maxwell to confirm the arrangement. There is also the promise of a review into a longer-term arrangement.

A Joint Response Group spokesperson told The Scottish Daily Mail (01/02 print edition, page 81): “This has been a collective effort by the SFA and SPFL and the confirmation from the Home Secretary that the discretionary panel will remain in place for the summer transfer window will bring certainty to clubs.

“The panel has worked well in Scottish football for a number of years and will ensure the game and its specific economic model will not be adversely affected by the impact of Brexit.

“We are encouraged by the Home Secretary’s commitment to undertaking a review period that will create a permanent GBE specific to Scottish football and its ongoing ambition to attract exciting talent.”

Celtic transfer window boost

Clearly, this is no guarantee of recruitment success for Celtic. The Bhoys have mismanaged the current one, even without any rule changes.

However, this at least makes navigating an increasingly difficult market a little bit easier.

Anything that gives Scottish football more of an ability to attract quality young players to the Premiership gets a thumbs up in my book.

Celtic can still bring players to the club with the career profile of Ismaila Soro / (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)

The Athletic have previously reported that a switch to the new system would rule Celtic moves out for players with Kristoffer Ajer and Ismaila Soro’s profile, amongst others.

This Home Office decision could well see Celtic shift away from the current UK-focused recruitment they’ve embarked on over the last 18 months.

In other news, Celtic fans have been left enraged by Neil Lennon’s press conference today.