Anthony Joseph explains the mechanics of Chris Jullien’s move to Schalke

News this morning that Schalke had agreed a loan deal for Chris Jullien came as something of a surprise with the defender being under contract until June 2023. 

Contracts, transfers and loans are complex issues as the contrasting moves for Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota has demonstrated. 

With a year left on his deal and going out on loan it appeared that Jullien was closing in on leaving Celtic as a free agent but at lunchtime Anthony Joseph tweeted: 

Celtic defender Christopher Jullien is in Germany for talks with Schalke. A season-long loan deal, with an option to buy, is close to being agreed by all parties. Celtic have been open to offers for the Frenchman and they’re in the market for another centre-back. 

Followed an hour later by: 

UPDATE: Christopher Jullien will have a fairly thorough medical with Schalke today, before any deal is finalised with Celtic – due to his injury problems. If the deal is a goer, it’s expected that Celtic will trigger a contract extension to command a fee on the option. 

It appeared that Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton had contracts until May 2023 but suddenly last month Celtic announced that both players were about to move on. Jullien’s deal seems to be working in reverse with Celtic holding an option to extend his contract by a year. 

Having only played 15 minutes of competitive action in the last 18 month Schalke will be wary of Jullien’s fitness, undergoing pre-season training then going into action in the Bundesliga should allay any concerns about his fitness.