Pundits divided over Jeffrey Schlupp’s possible permanent transfer to Celtic amid Kieran Tierney return

Add as preferred source on Google

It was an interesting afternoon for Jeffrey Schlupp as Celtic were beaten by St Johnstone on Sunday.

Ever since Schlupp joined Celtic from Crystal Palace on a loan deal until the end of the season, he has done a lot more right than wrong.

But the 32-year-old was subbed off at half-time by Brendan Rodgers and replaced by the out-of-contract Greg Taylor in Perth over the weekend.

Nicolas Kuhn’s half-time substitution was the main talking point, but Schlupp also didn’t have a great game.

That doesn’t mean that Celtic shouldn’t bring him back for the next campaign, nor do his performances so far mean that he should be signed either. 

But, after the final ball is kicked at the end of the season, what should the powers that be at Celtic Park do?

• READ MORE: Celtic told mega contract demands could scupper summer transfer plan

Should Celtic sign Jeffrey Schlupp permanently?

Andy Walker wants Schlupp signed for next season and he highlighted how he can play in a ‘number of positions’.

The former striker also spoke about the driving nature of Schlupp’s play, as well as the ‘athletic’ nature of his game, as he told Go Radio.

But Jamie Murphy highlighted the role the soon-to-be free transfer would play because Kieran Tierney will return to Celtic and be the main man.

As a result of that, he questioned if Celtic should pay the big wages for a player who would effectively become a squad player. 

“I think he can play in a number of positions,” said Walker. “When you look ahead to next season, the number one left-back will be Kieran Tierney. If Tierney is fit, then he plays.

“But Jeffrey Schlupp can play in a number of positions. I have seen him in midfield. He is a driving force. He has got a good engine. You can see how athletic he is. I think he has got a lot to add, so if the offer is there, then I am sure he would want to stay there.”

Murphy added: “I am sure he would want to take it, if they offer him that amount of money. But, to pay that amount of money, per week, for someone who isn’t going to be a guaranteed starter, I think that’s a big ask for Celtic.

“He is in his 30s, which is another factor which might come into play. If you can get him for cheaper than that, then I am with you, it’s a no-brainer, but the fees involved in it will make it a lot more difficult than I think it is. 

“I totally get it. Celtic do need another left-back next season. Whether it’s Schlupp or someone else. With Tierney’s injury (record), it would be stupid not to have another left-back who can play week in and week out.”

Schlupp’s stats for Celtic

This isn’t the type of road Celtic usually go down and it seems as though Schlupp initially joined because Tierney didn’t arrive in January.

But his age isn’t the type of signing Celtic would make because there is no selling point.

However, is this the time to change all of that, especially given that he is in the building and Rodgers is getting to see him first-hand, as WhoScored have rated his performances in a healthy manner.