The business end of the season is almost upon us. It’s where cups and leagues are won. It’s also a part of the campaign where Celtic will again feature strongly. The League Cup is in the Parkhead trophy room. There’s a strong lead for the Hoops in the Premiership, one that could get extended further this weekend as they face the Rangers. And they also have the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone to look forward to.
That means a series of important games is coming up. They could help determine the future of a possible summer signing. His performances, the occasions, the potential success, and hopefully a medal or two could lead to an important decision being taken.
Jeffrey Schlupp has earned his way into the side at left-back with some great appearances since he joined on loan in January. He has been selected ahead of Greg Taylor, who has been unavailable recently due to the birth of his daughter.
Taylor also looks likely to move on at the end of the season with his contract running out. Schlupp has, though, overtaken the Scottish left-back based on merit and performance reasons. He offers a far stronger and more comfortable on-the-ball option. The Crystal Palace loanee has also shown his skills at both ends of the pitch and in between. He has adapted quickly to the way Celtic play, too.
Next Celtic signing could be decided over coming weeks
That’s raised questions about whether a summer deal could see Schlupp move to Celtic Park permanently. The only question on the pitch is recognising the arrival of Kieran Tierney in the summer and how the pair would fit together in the squad.
Both players have shown their versatility in other positions and Brendan Rodgers would be expected to love that role flexibility in his squad. Plus, with some concerns over Tierney’s injury record, there’s valuable cover in depth.
It could be expensive having two high-profile players at left-back. But both could perhaps accept salary cuts to join Rodgers’ squad, with the chance to compete for trophies and play Champions League football.