Celtic are in a very good spot both on and off the pitch.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side hold a 13 point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while the club’s finances are in a strong position with player sales making up a hefty chunk of that.
The cash in the bank can also be traced back to the managing of the club as well as the policies and wage structures in place to avoid over-spending.
But now Celtic have been warned that a player’s salary could prevent a summer signing being made by the Hoops in the form of left-back Jeffrey Schlupp.
Jeffrey Schlupp’s salary could prevent a Celtic deal
Former Hibs attacker Jamie Murphy believes the £60,000 per week or so that the defender is making at parent club Crystal Palace would likely scupper any permanent move to Parkhead.
Despite Schlupp being a free agent in the summer, his wage expectations would likely still be on the higher side.
And Murphy reckons that could put an end to Celtic’s efforts to keep Schlupp with Kieran Tierney coming in to start and the 32-year-old likely to be a backup anyway.
Speaking on Go Radio, Murphy said: “I’m sure he will want to take it, if they offer him that amount of money (his current wages).
“But to pay that money per week for a player who is not going to be a guaranteed starter, I think that is a big ask for Celtic.
“I know he is in his 30s, which is another factor which might come into play. But if you can get him for cheaper than that then, yeah, I am with you it is a no-brainer.
“I just think the fees involved make it a lot more difficult.”
Schlupp has played more often this season than perhaps he might have thought he would when he arrived at Celtic on deadline day.
How Celtic could still sign Schlupp on permanent basis
Greg Taylor is set to leave Celtic Park this summer with Dinamo among his suitors willing to pull out all the stops to land the left-back.
That does leave a spot open for a Tierney deputy and Schlupp would fit the bill if not for the money he’s on.
Of course that doesn’t mean a free agent can’t negotiate and bring his demands down. That is to say that his expectations will even remain the same as they’d be in the Premier League.
Schlupp comes off as level-headed so will know he may not be able to command the same numbers.
If not, Celtic have a player who could save them millions in that position.
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