With a number of Celtic players linked with the exit door, this could be an almighty summer of change at Parkhead.
The Bhoys look set to receive bids from around Europe as the likes of Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer seemingly look for a way out of Paradise.
What’s the word?
Another player who could leave Celtic in a few months time is Ryan Christie.
The Scot was the subject of interest from Leeds United and Arsenal during the winter window but he ultimately ended up staying in Glasgow.
However, after a surprising revelation emerged that his contract, for some reason, expires in January 2022, he will be free to discuss terms with other teams during the summer.
Providing the latest on Christie’s future at Celtic, journalist John McGarry told the Celtic Huddle podcast the news that the player is looking very likely to be sold: “Christie has given no indication at all that he’s inclined to extend his stay. His contract unusually expires in January, not next summer."
McGarry continued: “He will move on for a considerable fee, a seven-figure fee. There’s interest from overseas, Nice were interested last year. I think the player would probably like to move to England. It’s just a matter of formalising that move.”
Delight for McKay
It’s unsurprising that Christie will fetch a seven-figure purely because of the nature of his services to Celtic down the years.
On his day, he is a wonderful creative outlet who can also find the net on a regular basis. He scored 20 times last season while providing 16 assists in the process. For a player with those numbers, he naturally commands a moderate price.
That being said, with just six months left on his deal once the summer rolls around, it will delight Dominic McKay to know that he can still actually source some funds for the player.
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In normal circumstances, a player could sign a pre-contract on a free transfer but such are Christie’s remarkable set of conditions that Celtic will still be able to slap a price tag on his shoulders.
This should come as a delight to everyone at Parkhead. That’s due to his wretched form during the 2020/21 campaign.
Christie has been a shadow of his former self this season, scoring just seven goals in 44 matches. He has only found the net once in his last 20 league outings, something that’s led to severe fan criticism.
His long-range shooting is also proving to be a particularly contentious point of debate. Before last weekend’s Old Firm derby, the Scotland international had only scored one effort from outside of the box in 51 attempts.
Instead of looking for a pass, he’s wasting the play and completely ruining well thought out attacks.
To lose him this summer, therefore, particularly for a seven-figure fee will be music to the ears of everyone associated with Celtic.
They will be keen to wave farewell as soon as possible and get that money in the bank, rather than allowing him to walk away in January.