As Tomas Cvancara edges closer to completing his loan switch from Borussia Mönchengladbach to Celtic, outlets in Germany have outlined the financial framework behind the deal.
The Czech striker is poised to become Celtic’s second arrival of the transfer window and the first signing overseen by Martin O’Neill since his return to the club. Cvancara will follow Julian Araujo through the door, with the Bournemouth full-back having already joined on loan for the remainder of the season under previous boss Wilfried Nancy.
Standing at 6ft 3in, the addition of a recognised striker will be welcomed by supporters, particularly after recent frustration was voiced during the Scottish Cup win over Auchinleck Talbot at Rugby Park. With Celtic lacking depth in the central striker role, O’Neill had made attacking reinforcements a priority, and details of how the club plan to address that have now emerged.
Celtic’s option to make the move permanent
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Celtic have negotiated an option to buy Cvancara once his loan spell ends. The fee is understood to be €8m, which converts to roughly £6.9m, should the Hoops decide to keep him beyond this season.
Celtic will also take on the player’s wages until the summer, covering a remaining salary worth around €1m gross. Cvancara currently earns up to €2m gross per year at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Plettenberg described the arrangement as a smart piece of business, adding that the forward is highly motivated and ready for a fresh start in Glasgow.
Reasons behind Cvancara’s departure
Cvancara’s time in Germany has been challenging over the past year. He has grown frustrated after slipping down the pecking order, particularly following the arrival of Germany international Tim Kleindienst. There were also reports of tensions with former head coach Gerardo Seoane, with disagreements leading to calls from within the squad for him to be left out of the team. The Czech international later explained that his behaviour stemmed from being blocked from leaving the club when he wanted a move.
A chance to restart in Glasgow
Although his numbers at Mönchengladbach were modest, with seven goals in 53 appearances, Cvancara has previously shown his scoring ability. Earlier in his career, he struck 24 goals in 49 games for Sparta Prague, form that earned him a move to the Bundesliga.
As he awaits the outcome of his medical on the east side of Glasgow, the change of scenery could prove beneficial. Celtic are short of natural number nine options, relying heavily on an out-of-form Johnny Kenny and squad player Shin Yamada, while Daizen Maeda has filled in out of position. Cvancara’s arrival offers hope that those issues can finally be addressed.