Celtic Man United Tyrell Malacia Ruben Amorim
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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Mon 14 July 2025 7:00, UK
Celtic may only be able to complete a deal for Tyrell Malacia if Manchester United subsidise the left-back’s wages, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have said about Man United’s attempts to resolve Malacia‘s future.
Malacia and four of his team-mates have been kept at arm’s length by Ruben Amorim as Man United try to get them off the books ahead of next season, with Celtic one of several options for the 25-year-old.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson argued that Celtic would be getting a “top-quality player” in Malacia, but sources have told Football Insider that the Hoops would be unable to afford his wages.
Football Insider sources have said that with a loan move the most likely outcome for Malacia, Man United subsidising his pay packet would be the only way a deal could be struck between the two clubs.
Furthermore, Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic Park on a free transfer from Arsenal means he’s likely to be Brendan Rodgers’ automatic starter at left-back, casting further doubt over a potential deal for Malacia.
Kieran Tierney playing for Scotland
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Celtic’s Malacia swoop depends on Man United stance
Rodgers is in the market for a new left-back this summer after Greg Taylor completed a free transfer of his own to PAOK, but it’s unclear if Celtic will be able to complete a move for Malacia this summer.
Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke wasn’t optimistic that Celtic could afford a deal for Malacia unless Man United paid part of his wages, but argued that the Dutchman could still move to Parkhead.
“It’ll be a struggle for Celtic to meet his wages unless Manchester United subsidise them – that’s probably the only way a potential deal could happen”, he told Football Insider.
“He is one of those players that Manchester United are openly willing to sell; he’s been allowed to return late for pre-season to try and sort out his future.
“Celtic would be an attractive proposition for someone like Malacia next season – but they’ve got Kieran Tierney back at Celtic Park this year as well.
“You’d imagine Tierney would be a starter when fit for Brendan Rodgers, so I’m not sure Malacia will be too keen on moving to a club where he’s not guaranteed minutes either.
Man United must make compromise to complete Malacia exit
Of the five players Amorim is desperate for United to move on this summer, Malacia is by far the least problematic and has largely seen his Old Trafford career derailed by injuries more than any other factor.
Man United have been re-saddled with Jadon Sancho after Chelsea reneged on their agreement to sign him, with Marcus Rashford, Antony and Malacia also spending time out on loan throughout last season.
Alejandro Garnacho is the fifth player who has been pushed toward the exit door after various off-field issues, and it’s increasingly clear that United are fighting a losing battle to sell the quintent this summer.
If that means subsidising Malacia’s wages to sanction a move to Celtic, Amorim will be forced to accept that compromise as years of dismal transfer business come back to bite the Red Devils.
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