Celtic great John Hartson believes that centre-back Dedryck Boyata is definitely set for a summer departure.
The Belgian has recently been linked with a move to German outfit Hertha Berlin. With his contract up at the end of the season, Boyata can go wherever he pleases come the summer.
The defender’s agent has already made it clear that staying at Celtic isn’t an option. It’s difficult to argue that a deal would already have been agreed by now if he wanted to stay.
But Hartson also has more evidence to back up the idea of his departure. Speaking in the Evening Times, the big Welshman believes Celtic can’t compere with the wage packets Boyata could receive on foreign soil.
“I just don’t think the Parkhead club can afford to keep him. Boyata’s agent will have been making full use of the fact his client can leave on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of next month.
“Boyata’s agent will have been making full use of the fact his client can leave on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of next month.
“It is similar to what Aaron Ramsey is doing at Arsenal just now. He will leave the Emirates for nothing in the summer and go onto a ridiculous contract at Juventus. It is the reality of modern football.”
Nail on the head from Hartson
Hartson makes a very telling point here. For clubs who genuinely want Boyata and see him as an integral target, there’s no denying they can give him several million in wages instead of having to pay a transfer fee. This is one of the big advantages clubs have in luring out-of-contract stars.
What he could get in Germany or England would totally dwarf what Celtic have to offer him. That’s just the state of the financial climate we’re stuck with in Scotland.
In terms of summer recruitment, there has to be a ready-made list of potential replacements for Boyata. It feels almost useless trying to get him to sign a new deal at this stage. The ball is in his court, and it’s likely his agent could see the dollar signs elsewhere.
It’s also worth mentioning that Boyata isn’t worth breaking the bank to keep either. He may be dominant domestically, but in Europe we could do with less glaring errors from our defenders.
Hartson’s right to bring up the Belgian’s wages. But, in truth, a desire to test himself at a higher level and broaden his horizons are also key reasons why Boyata could want to leave. It’s unfair to assume this is all just financially motivated.
At this stage, it’s worth putting the scouts into action for a replacement.
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