Celtic Poised to Sign Derby County Loanee Bobby Clark in January
Glasgow, Scotland – Celtic are reportedly on the verge of securing the January transfer of Bobby Clark, the 20-year-old midfielder currently on loan at Derby County from Red Bull Salzburg.A deal between Salzburg and Celtic would likely see Clark move north of the border, despite Derby County manager John EustaceS desire for him to remain with the Rams beyond the winter window.
Clark’s journey to this point has seen him progress through the academy systems of Birmingham City, Newcastle United, and Liverpool. He made 14 senior appearances for Liverpool, notably featuring in their 2023-24 EFL Cup final victory. However, following a recommendation from Pep Ljinders, Liverpool sanctioned a £10m move, plus a 17.5% sell-on fee, to Salzburg.
His time in Austria proved less triumphant, especially after the dismissal of Ljinders in December, leading to a season-long loan to Derby County for regular gametime. While Eustace wishes to retain Clark, the possibility to join Celtic appears set to materialize.
Celtic, managed by Brendan Rodgers, are well-stocked in midfield with Callum McGregor, Benjamin nygren, and Reo Hatate forming a preferred trio. Clark’s arrival would add further depth, perhaps challenging Arne Engels, Luke McCowan, and Paulo Bernardo for a starting position. Despite Nygren’s recent strong form, Engels has yet to fully justify his club-record transfer fee.
Rodgers is reportedly seeking to address a creative shortfall in the attacking third, and Clark’s attributes – creativity, link-up play, and box-to-box movement – could provide a solution. while Celtic’s attackers have been profligate, the team is also struggling to generate sufficient scoring opportunities.
Clark’s potential transfer fee is estimated to be in the region of £6m.
