Crystal Palace have officially confirmed the departure of Jeffrey Schlupp, with the versatile defender leaving the club on a permanent basis following the expiry of his contract.
They wrote: ‘Thank you for everything, Schluppy
‘After eight-and-a-half years, Jeffrey Schupp will be leaving the club this summer.’
Schlupp, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic, made 18 appearances during his time in Glasgow.
The 32-year-old featured in a variety of roles for Brendan Rodgers’ side, offering cover across the left flank. One of his most memorable outings came away to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, where he impressed with his defensive discipline.
However, as the season progressed, Schlupp found himself used more as an impact substitute, struggling to cement a consistent starting role in front of the outgoing Greg Taylor.
His diminishing influence towards the tail end of the campaign casts doubt over a potential permanent return.
Tierney’s return almost certainly places him at the top of the pecking order for the left-back role. The former Arsenal man remains a fan favourite and, if fully fit, will provide both quality and experience on the left side of the defence.
Given Schlupp’s prior Premier League wage bracket at Palace, Celtic would need to weigh up the financial implications carefully if they were to pursue him on a free.
While his versatility is an asset, the Hoops may now look elsewhere for a back up with Tierney’s arrival also on the horizon.
