Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton was left surprised by the club’s decision not to renew Jonny Hayes’ contract this summer, speaking on the day the winger prepares to finalise a move back to Aberdeen.
Hayes left Pittodrie in 2017 to join up with the Hoops and enjoyed three successful seasons in Glasgow even though he never cemented himself as a regular starter.
His Celtic contract expired at the end of last season and it was announced by the club it would not be renewed earlier this month.
It hasn’t taken him long to find a new club with Sky Sports reporting he was due to take part in a medical today before signing up with the Dons.
Sutton has praised the player today, expressing surprise that the Scottish champions opted not to retain his services for our ten-in-a-row bid.
The BBC Sport pundit wrote on Twitter: “Surprised Celtic didn’t hold on to him but good luck to Johnny Hayes on his return to Aberdeen… always gave his all in a Celtic jersey and never let the team down. Decent business for Aberdeen.”
There’s no doubt that Hayes was a decent utility option and under Neil Lennon looked to thrive in that role.
However, it’s equally true that streamlining the squad and moving on non-essential personnel is important right now due to the financial realities of the ongoing public health crisis.
The Irishman was a great option from the bench or in a rotated team but we’ll be hoping that a genuine first-choice left sided defender emerges in the early stages of next season.
In attack, Mohamed Elyounoussi may even be available on that side as well as youngster Mikey Johnston.
Hayes will be an effective Celtic performer and he’ll likely be a potent weapon for Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership next term but we have enough quality at the club to suggest the Hoops won’t miss him too much.
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