Dedryck Boyata’s future has finally been resolved, with Brendan Rodgers claiming he’ll be here for the season.
The big Belgian has been able to play Celtic like a fiddle over the last several months. From refusing to play in key matches to fooling fans over a new contract offer, he’s gotten under many supporters’ skin this season.
Yet, through it all, Rodgers has consistently had his back and continuously stated how much he wants to keep him. The Celtic manager was even delighted to confirm that Boyata would see out the campaign in Glasgow.
Speaking on Boyata’s future, Rodgers confirmed he wouldn’t be leaving this month.
“He will just stay calm and see out the season and see where he’s at. There will be interest in him, of course, but nothing concrete at the moment.
“It’s something we would want, of course. He’s a very, very good player, he’s entitled, he’s within his rights in the last year of his contract.
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“He’s at an age where he can wait and see whether it’s a new contract at Celtic or a move. It’s a big next contract for him.”
Club should be firmer with Boyata
Too often is Rodgers putting an arm around the shoulder of a player so obviously using the club.
After the contract debacle on social media, the club should’ve been a lot firmer with Boyata. Instead, Rodgers has consistently been open-armed towards the sneaky Belgian.
Yet it also makes good business sense for Celtic to get a deal done now.
Given Boyata’s general performances at Parkhead, Celtic could easily expect a seven-figure sum for his services. It’s also not as if he’s been that good that the Hoops need him for the final few months of the campaign.
The Hoops are in need of a replacement anyway, and would ideally want them integrated before the Champions League qualifiers. Getting Boyata out and a new-man in allows Celtic to do that whilst getting some money.
All in all, keeping Boyata is a poor move by Celtic. He’s going to get his wish and leave the club at the end of the season. But for his demeanour alone, Celtic should be punting him now.