Neil Lennon insists losing Dedryck Boyata is “a blow” for Celtic

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic interim manager Neil Lennon believes that losing Dedryck Boyata to Hertha Berlin is “a blow”.

The big Belgian finally chose a destination for next season before the 2-1 win over Hearts yesterday. Boyata will be plying his trade in the Bundesliga with Berlin next term, after what seemed like a dragged out ‘will he, won’t he’ saga over his contract.

There’s always been a feeling in the air that Boyata was never staying. The contract would’ve been well signed by now, and the fact he’s now moved on won’t surprise anyone.

But Lennon, whose future at Celtic isn’t guaranteed either, has given his thoughts on it. Speaking in the Scotsman, the Northern Irishman believes Boyata’s departure isn’t good news for the club.

“That announcement came out this afternoon and it’s a blow for us. He has been an outstanding player here and if that is the case [he has gone] then we wish him well.”

Club will have been preparing for this

Boyata has had a fine career at Parkhead all things considered. He’s wrapped up four consecutive Premiership titles as well as two Scottish Cups and three League Cups. He was a vital part of the double-treble winning squad, and fully deserves any praise that comes his way.

As Lennon said, Celtic will wish him well. He’s done his best this season even if he did suffer from the AEK saga. It had been reported back in August that the defender had refused to play against AEK Athens (Scottish Sun). But he has put his body on the line for us domestically this season, and we don’t truly know the real details behind the story either.

But at the end of the day, his departure should’ve been well foreseen by the Celtic board. Replacements simply must be in the pipeline, although a new manager coming in first is the most important thing. Any new manager will have to address the centre-back position thoroughly this summer.

It’s going to effectively be the spine of our team. With Filip Benkovic currently scheduled to head back to Leicester, that will leave us with only Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic as regular centre-backs. Jack Hendry and Marvin Compper are available, but the less said about that the better.

If Celtic could lure Benkovic back for another year that would be a start. A new manager, however, could have his own targets. So sure, Boyata’s departure does weaken the squad, but come the start of next season it shouldn’t feel like it.