For all of the good work carried out by Celtic over the summer, the club have made one big mistake with Scott Sinclair.
In early May, prior to Neil Lennon getting the permanent job, the club triggered a year’s contract extension for Sinclair, and kept him on our books until next summer.
“Scotty will be here for another year,” Lennon said. “He has been a good player since he walked in the door. It’s a big boost for the squad.” (BBC Sport)
Given that Sinclair is widely understood to be on wages of around £30,000 per week, you would probably have expected him to play more of a part this season following the decision to extend his stay.
Celtic rolled the dice with Sinclair this summer
The club were perhaps hoping that they’d be able to move the Englishmen on during the summer window. Vague interest was shown from the likes of Preston North End and Sheffield United but nothing ever materialised.
In the mean time, Sinclair has played just 60 minutes of football this season, and failed to start a single match.
Sinclair’s healthy contract could cost the club around £1.5million if he stays until next summer. That is completely wasted money if he continues to sit on the bench. It looks that way too, with Mikey Johnston and Lewis Morgan ahead of him in the pecking order and Mohamed Elyounoussi further strengthening our ranks.
It just seems a bit of a waste for Sinclair. Not too many Hoops fans would have objected at him being sold this summer. He has had his best years at the club and is probably best returning back down south. He would have gone with everyone’s blessing and the club could have banked a healthy fee.
Even if they hadn’t have renewed his contract then most wouldn’t have complained. As it is, it all just seems a real waste for the club and the player.
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