Celtic’s Late Lunge for Palace’s Devenny as Deadline Drama Brews

When the transfer window’s ticking down, you find out who means business. And make no mistake, Celtic are on the front foot. The Parkhead hierarchy have moved for Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny with a late loan bid designed to get bodies — and quality — into the middle of the park before the shutters come down.

Late dash for Devenny

Respected reporter Alan Nixon says Celtic have put a season-long loan proposal to Palace for Devenny as they hunt value in the final hours. The 22-year-old hasn’t kicked a competitive ball yet this season and hasn’t even made recent benches, so a change of scenery could suit all parties. With the clock against them, Celtic are trying to exploit the uncertainty.

Palace’s stance and the numbers

Here’s the rub: Palace are understood to want around £7 million for a permanent move, but no one has hit that mark so far. That opens the door to a loan — potentially with an option down the line — if the Eagles decide minutes and market exposure now are better than waiting for the perfect bid. For context, Devenny registered 32 appearances across all competitions last term, chipping in with two goals and an assist. Not eye-popping, but enough to suggest there’s a player there if he’s trusted with rhythm and responsibility.

Cagliari lurking and the loan-vs-fee equation

Celtic aren’t alone at the table. Italian outfit Cagliari are sniffing around, which adds a bit of pressure to get this over the line. It’s a classic deadline dilemma: do Palace hold out for the fee they want, or take the pragmatic route and let the lad go on loan so his value doesn’t stagnate on the sidelines?

Midfield rebuild rolls on

Celtic’s need is obvious after their Champions League exit and recent midfield reshuffle, including the departure of Arne Engels to West Ham United. They’ve already pushed hard for PSV Eindhoven’s Joel van den Berg, with a medical understood to be pencilled in as the clock winds down. One in the door shouldn’t rule out another — depth is king when you’re chasing trophies on multiple fronts.

Between the sticks: keeper on the way

It’s not just the engine room getting attention. A Wolves goalkeeper is travelling to Scotland for a medical today, with Sam Johnstone understood to be the target after a deal was agreed. Sorting the No 1 shirt before the deadline would be a significant tick in the box for a squad that’s needed fresh authority at the back.

What Devenny would bring

Devenny’s game is about mobility, energy and tidy progression through the lines — not a headline act yet, but the sort who knits phases together and presses with purpose. Dropping him into a side that dictates the ball most weeks could sharpen his final-third output; if he adds a goal threat to that engine, Celtic get upside now and a potential asset later.

Deadline-day realities

Celtic have tabled a late loan bid for Justin Devenny — that much is clear. Whether Palace blink on a temporary deal may come down to how firm that £7m valuation really is. If you’re weighing up the market angles like the sharp minds on our best betting sites do every week, the smart play for Celtic is a loan with a pathway to buy. Minimal risk, maximum potential.

Pundit’s verdict

For me, this is savvy shopping. Celtic need legs and options; Devenny needs minutes and confidence. If Cagliari ramp things up, the Glasgow club must move decisively — structure the loan well, protect the downside, and back their coaching to polish the player. Tie up the keeper, land van den Berg, and add Devenny? That’s a window that turns post-Europe disappointment into domestic momentum.