Duffy loan deal done, announcement due ahead of Ireland’s game in Sofia tomorrow

Shane Duffy will become a Celtic player this week after the Irish international convinced Brighton bosses to agree to a loan deal offer from the Scottish Champions. Brighton had been holding out for a permanent transfer with West Ham and West Brom in the mix for that but the no nonsense defender made it clear that if he was going to move it would only be to Celtic.

And as you will have read he’s already rumoured to have completed his medical in Dublin and is expected to be announced as a Celtic player imminently.

Even on a so-called cut-price deal, Duffy will not come cheaply for Celtic who are expected to pay a loan fee of under £2million and will cover around £25,000 of his £45,000 weekly wage.

Embed from Getty Images

 

But Brighton are still taking a hit on a player with 3 years remaining on his existing contract and with a current transfer value of around £10million.

Paul Barber, the Brighton CEO was persuaded by the 28 year old Irish man – the two men enjoying a close relationship – to the compromise deal that allows him to join his boyhood club as they pursue the ultimate domestic dream of winning Ten-in-a-Row.

Duffy has been a mainstay at Brighton since Brendan Rodgers missed out on signing him from Blackburn Rovers in the early months of his time as the Celtic manager. Indeed Duffy’s resolute defending has been a crucial factor in the then newly promoted Seagulls side maintaining and consolidating their place in the Premier League.

Embed from Getty Images

However Duffy has fallen down the pecking order in Graham Potter’s plans and as a resulted wanted a move so that he could continue to play rather than watch from the bench.

Now though it is all about Celtic for Shane Duffy. He is currently on international duty with Ireland but the deal is expected to be formally announced by Celtic this week. Ireland play Bulgaria on Thursday night and Duffy is expected to start. The second international is against Finland at the weekend before he gets the chance to make his first appearance in the Hoops the following Saturday away to Ross County.

Embed from Getty Images

By the time Ireland kick off in Sofia on Thursday Shane Duffy is expected to be a Celtic player.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

Comments are closed.