Some Celtic fans have been talking about the latest news update involving Jonny Hayes and Jozo Simunovic that emerged on social media recently.
It was recently confirmed that Hayes and Simunovic have left Celtic, as the club has not renewed their contracts at Parkhead. As a result, both players are now free agents and are without a club (via Sky Sports).
The club posted a confirmation of this piece of information on social media recently. The post wished Simunovic and Hayes well for their future and carried a link to an article discussing the players’ departure from the club.
Many Celtic fans flocked to this tweet. Some were surprised that the club decided to let Simunovic leave on a free transfer.
Surprised we are letting Jozo go. I know he was injury prone but good player when available and we have no experienced centre half cover. He’s only 25 too.
— Oleg Blogkhing (@OlegBlogkhing) May 30, 2020
Did Hayes and Simunovic deserve to stay at Celtic?
Should've kept them!
They deserved to leave
Shocked at Jozo! Hope there is already a replacement lined up…
— Raging Jacko (@LifeOnMxrs) May 30, 2020
Very strange letting Jozo go only 2 centre halfs now
— Hazz (@MazzCFC7) May 30, 2020
CELTIC WHAT ARE YOU DOING
— Pat ??????? (@ButtonFC67) May 30, 2020
Hayes joined the Hoops in the summer of 2017 from fellow Scottish club Aberdeen. Before that, he had been at clubs like Leicester City, Reading and Inverness (via Transfermarkt).
As a Celtic player though, Hayes made 68 appearances in all competitions, while contributing to nine goals.
As for Simunovic, he had joined from Dinamo Zagreb back in 2015. But the Croatian had missed 28 games due to injury in the 2019-20 season.
Many other Celtic fans also talked about this news but went a step ahead to talk about potential replacements.
We need to get Aaron Hickey doon the road and nurture this poor lad properly and not have him fade into insignificance like hearts. Get him and he’ll be another Keiron Tierney in the making!!!
— Logan jimmy (@JamesMc33385189) May 30, 2020
We need to get CB in
— Connor Hall (@ConnorH68817690) May 30, 2020
Let’s hope there is quality replacements as this is not the year to thin down a squad!! #herewego10inarow
— Andrew Russell ?????????? (@andrewrussell92) May 30, 2020
Fans are certainly entitled to their opinion. But the fact that Hayes is 32 years old and Simunovic has had injury issues in recent months could be a reason why Celtic have decided to let these players go.
With the club looking to win their 10th Premiership title in a row next season, being ruthless with transfer deals might be a good idea.