Report hints Shane Duffy could leave Celtic this month

Add as preferred source on Google

A report from The Sun on Sunday (10/1; page 58) has suggested that Shane Duffy could end up leaving Celtic this month provided that another loan move can be found for the centre-back.

Duffy’s time at Parkhead has not played out how anyone would have expected. It appeared to be a huge coup for the Hoops to land the Republic of Ireland international.

As reported by Sky Sports, the Bhoys saw off competition from the likes of West Ham and West Brom for the 29-year-old. It was suggested that Celtic had paid a fee of £2 million and were covering around £25,000 of his £45,000-a-week wages.

Unfortunately, his signing is yet to prove to be good value for money. Duffy has come in for a lot of criticism during his time with the Scottish Premiership champions.

It is difficult to see Celtic pursuing a permanent deal at the end of Duffy’s loan. But perhaps, there is scope for his exit to actually come a lot sooner than the summer.

The Sun on Sunday (10/1; page 58) reports that Duffy could get the green light to leave Celtic if another loan can be found.

Crucially, it is suggested that Brighton would want his wages covered. Presumably, they would be open to a club paying a similar percentage to Celtic.

TBR View: Celtic should be prepared for Duffy staying

In truth, Duffy’s time at Celtic may dissuade clubs from making a loan bid this month. Admittedly, he has previously impressed in the Premier League, and it looked to be an inspired deal for the Hoops in the summer.

He has the quality to turn his fortunes around. And while Lennon has him, the Celtic boss can hardly afford to not use him for the time-being with Christopher Jullien sidelined.

But if another club does come calling, Celtic would surely be tempted to let him move on and invest the money spent on his wages elsewhere.