Celtic are hopeful that the lure of Champions League football will help them secure the signing of Queens Park Rangers defender Jake Clarke-Salter, sources have told Football Insider. The Hoops are reportedly confident of meeting QPR’s asking price for the 26-year-old defender, which is said to be between £5-7 million.
Celtic’s potential to attract Clarke-Salter is bolstered by their substantial financial boost from winning the Scottish Premiership, which guarantees them direct qualification to the Champions League group stage. This achievement is expected to enhance their transfer budget by around £35 million.
Despite this, Celtic face stiff competition from several English clubs. Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Bournemouth are all interested in Clarke-Salter and might offer more attractive wage packages compared to what Celtic can provide. Clarke-Salter’s appeal is high due to his performance with QPR in the Championship, where he is under contract until June 2026. This season, he made 33 appearances across all competitions, starting in 29 of those matches.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is eager to strengthen his defense with a marquee signing, and Clarke-Salter, with his experience and ability, fits the profile of the player Rodgers wants to bring in. Despite the potential financial hurdles, Celtic remain optimistic about their chances to fend off competition from English clubs and secure Clarke-Salter’s services.
Celtic currently have a solid defensive lineup featuring Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Liam Scales, and Stephen Welsh. However, the addition of Jake Clarke-Salter could provide further depth and quality to their backline, especially with the allure of Champions League football next season.
The Hoops are on the brink of retaining the Scottish Premiership title, solidifying their domestic dominance. Additionally, they have a crucial fixture against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final later this month, which could see them secure a domestic double. Securing Clarke-Salter could be a strategic move to strengthen their squad ahead of these important matches and the upcoming European campaign.
While Clarke-Salter is attracting interest from several Premier League and Championship clubs, Celtic’s ability to offer Champions League football might be a decisive factor in winning his signature. Manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to enhance his defensive options, and Clarke-Salter’s experience and skill set would be a valuable addition to the squad.
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