Celtic FC is willing to help Steven Gerrard stay sharp between his first and second seasons in Major League Soccer.
Celtic will attempt to loan Gerrard from the Los Angeles Galaxy in early 2016, according to the Mirror and the Mail. Celtic, a perennial power in Scottish soccer, must strike an agreement with the Galaxy in order to land Gerrard, who will join the MLS club from Liverpool as a free agent this summer.
“Sunday People Sport understands conversations have been held in the corridors of power at Celtic Park about offering him a short stint in the Scottish Premiership,” the Mirror reported Saturday.
The Galaxy’s offseason will span from early December 2015 (or a few weeks earlier depending on how far it progresses in the MLS Cup playoffs) to early March 2016, leaving Gerrard with at least three months between competitive games with his new club.
Celtic could attempt to sign Gerrard on loan during the January 2016 transfer window and pay a portion of his $6 million (£3.9 million) a year salary during the Galaxy’s offseason.
Gerrard has indicated a possible interest in a short-term loan spell between MLS seasons but ruled out ever playing against Liverpool.
Celtic and Liverpool only could meet in the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League, and the scenarios are unlikely.
The chances of Gerrard joining Celtic on loan next year would hinge on financial negotiations between the teams and the player’s willingness to join the Scottish club.
Thumbnail photo via LiverpoolFC.com
