Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic should be looking to move Nir Bitton regardless of whether Olivier Ntcham stays or goes.

The Israeli midfielder has been in and out the team in big spells during his Hoops career.

With Ntcham likely to depart, fans will be looking to who fills his void in the team.

Unfortunately, Bitton is not that and he too should be offloaded to free up more space in a bloated midfield.

Celtic must move Nir Bitton on

It’s true that Bitton is more versatile as he can fill in at centre-back on occasion.

We are short in that position, but it’s common sense that the vacancies will be filled by natural defenders.

In the middle of the pitch, Bitton and Ntcham are different types of players.

Bitton is a thin defensive minded player while Ntcham is the bruiser with a more attacking brain.

Ntcham will bring in the big bucks wherever he goes with a £15 million price tag slapped on him. Bitton will leave for far less and coupled with the Frenchman a good chunk of wages are freed up.

This can allow the club to buy a bigger money player and set aside the wage fee required to get him.

Alternatives for Nir Bitton at Celtic

Alternatively, the money can be spent elsewhere where it is direly needed such as at full-back.

This will mean a promotion for one of the younger Bhoys in the squad.

The likes of Ewan Henderson is chapping on the door to be a first team regular.

If the Hoops want to go down the transfer route, then David Turnbull is still a player Celtic are interested in.

The Motherwell man has had a bid rejected over the weekend for him.

The centre of midfield is the fullest part of the squad and will need trimming.

Debates will rage on about whether the Hoops should keep Ntcham, but one thing is for sure, the same can’t be said for Bitton.