Former Celtic player Simon Donnelly has recently talked about the importance of a potential new contract for Ryan Christie.
Donnelly was a guest on the latest episode of the ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ podcast and the panel discussed multiple issues involving the Bhoys. One topic of discussion was Christie and Donnelly was asked about how important it is for Celtic to tie the midfielder down to a new deal. Donnelly described Christie as a ‘huge player’ for the Hoops.
In the summer transfer window, Christie was linked with a move to Burnley, but the same report had claimed that talks were going on about a potential contract extension for the midfielder. It was stated that Neil Lennon didn’t want to part ways with the Scotsman (as per the Daily Record).
Can Celtic afford to sell Ryan Christie?
Yes
No
Donnelly believes that since Christie has got international recognition for his recent performances for Scotland, it is important for Celtic to tie him down to a new deal.
He said: “I think they have to tie him down and make sure he stays on because he’s a huge player for Celtic. I like the fact that Rogic is back in the fold as well because he’s of that similar style – he can take the ball in tight areas and open things up. Christie’s been doing that for the last season and a half as well, when Tom, for whatever reason through injuries, found himself out but I think Rogic is looking stronger as well.
“So I think you can’t have enough of these guys, these creative players that will win a game for you with one bit of magic. So it is important that they do tie him up because, again, when he’s performing on an international level as well, people will be watching, so it is important to get him on a longer contract.”
TIF Thoughts on Donnelly’s comments regarding Christie…
Christie’s current deal at Celtic Park runs out in the summer of 2022 and has previously hinted at the fact that he’s had brief talks about signing a new deal.
He has been the club’s highest-rated player in the Premiership this season (as per WhoScored) and Celtic are yet to lose a single league game when he’s played in the current campaign. It shows how important the 25-year-old is for the Hoops and that is why handing him a new contract should be a priority for the Bhoys, as Donnelly suggested.