As it stands, eight players are out-of-contract at Parkhead this summer, but just who looks set to stay even this early on?
First off, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Moritz Bauer, and Fraser Forster are all on loan. Considering the price-tag that both Elyounoussi and Forster could command, it’s optimistic to say they could be targets regardless of how well they perform. Moritz Bauer, meanwhile, has still to show Celtic fans what he’s all about.
In terms of players who currently belong to the Hoops, the most eye-catching is perhaps Scott Sinclair.
The winger has been out of the side over the last couple of months. As it stands, Elyounoussi, Mikey Johnston, Lewis Morgan, and Jonny Hayes all seem to be ahead of the Englishman. It’s going to take one almighty effort to get himself back into contention. However, for now, Sinclair still has time to make an impact.
One who certainly looks like staying is Nir Bitton. Neil Lennon confirmed to the Scottish Sun that he’s looking to progress talks over a new deal. He’s featured 11 times this season as emergency cover at the back, and Lennon clearly likes having him around. Bitton may be scheduled to go away at the end of the season, but he looks certain to stay.
Most players are pointing towards the exit door at the moment
Another winger whose place will need looked at is Hayes himself. The former Aberdeen winger has never been a first-choice at Parkhead. However, he seems to be settled with the fact he’s only used as cover at left-wing and left-back. The fact we can use him in more than one position could appeal to Lenny, however. Don’t be surprised if he gets a new two-year deal at some stage this season. With 46 Celtic outings to his name, he adds some value.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
Perhaps the player who looks most likely to leave the club, however, is Calvin Miller. The Lennoxtown academy graduate said at the start of the season that he wanted to get the chance to impress Lennon (The Herald). Unfortunately, that’s not happened at all this season.
He’s yet to make a single appearance, and is so far down the pecking order at the moment. He looks a stick-on to leave at the end of the season. Another new contract would be a colossal surprise considering he also hasn’t made a single first-team matchday squad this season so far.
And what about Gordon?
And, finally, the last player scheduled to depart is Craig Gordon. It looked for a brief spell last month that he had initially won the gloves back. However, Forster’s arrival ended any hopes of that. Gordon hasn’t played any Premiership football this season, and it doesn’t look like changing anytime soon.
However, in saying that, it wouldn’t be wise to want to lose such a talented back-up shot-stopper. Gordon, however, will likely have eyes on first-team football, and could easily look to secure a move away to confirm that.
So of all eight players scheduled to depart (including loan stars), you can only see one or two more than likely staying next season. The complexion can and will change as the season goes on, but it’s not looking good for many of the players without a Celtic contract for next season.