Celtic are reportedly considering a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny in a deal valued around £6 million. The Daily Record reports that the Scottish champions are exploring the signing of the 22-year-old Northern Ireland international as the transfer window enters its final hours.
Manager Martin O'Neill has publicly stressed the need for new additions. "We're still trying to get some players in, we would need a few in obviously to supplement the squad," O'Neill said. "I'm hoping that we can get some people in before the transfer deadline." The deadline for domestic deals is 5pm on Thursday, but to register a new player for their upcoming Europa League campaign, Celtic must complete any signing by 11pm on Wednesday.
Why is Celtic targeting Justin Devenny?
Justin Devenny is seen as a potential solution to a midfield area that has become a concern for the club. Celtic have yet to replace Arne Engels following his departure, and there remains a possibility that Reo Hatate could also exit before the window closes. Devenny, who came through the youth ranks at Kilmarnock before moves to Airdrie and then Crystal Palace, qualifies as a homegrown player. He has made 60 first-team appearances for Palace, winning both the FA Cup and the Conference League, and famously scored the winning penalty against Liverpool in the Community Shield. Primarily a midfielder, he has also been deployed as a wing-back.
Who else is interested in the player?
Celtic are not alone in their reported interest. The Daily Record notes that Middlesbrough, Leicester City, Southampton, Preston North End, and Italian side Cagliari have also been credited with an eye on Devenny. His first-team minutes at Selhurst Park have become harder to secure recently, prompting speculation about a move. Interest in the Northern Ireland cap-holder, who has 14 international appearances, is said to be independent of Celtic's separate pursuit of PSV midfielder Joel van den Berg. Ideally, the club would like to bring in two midfield reinforcements.
How does this fit with Celtic's current situation?
The pursuit of new signings comes as Celtic enjoy a strong start to the domestic season. They sit first in the Premiership with a perfect record of three wins from three games, earning nine points and building a two-point lead over St Mirren. Their attack has been potent, scoring eight goals while conceding only two for a +6 goal difference. This positive form was continued with a 2-1 win over Falkirk. However, the squad is dealing with several absences, with Alistair Johnston, Jota, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, and Kasper Høgh all currently sidelined, adding urgency to the recruitment drive. Fans can track the team's availability on our injuries page.
What happens next for Celtic?
The immediate focus is on concluding transfer business before the Wednesday and Thursday deadlines. Any new signing would need to integrate quickly ahead of a busy schedule. Celtic's next fixture is an away trip to face Dundee United, who are currently 8th in the table, on December 30th. The club's league position and upcoming commitments, which you can view on our standings and fixtures pages, underscore the importance of adding depth. Securing a player like Devenny would provide O'Neill with a versatile, trophy-winning option as Celtic compete on multiple fronts this season.
