Nir Bitton wants to stay at Celtic, but does he have a future here?

By David Walton

June 2, 2019

Nir Button may have confirmed that he wants to stay at Celtic, but what future does he have at Parkhead?

The Israeli was out of action for 11 months through injury and only just returned back in January. He ended up making 10 appearances overall during the second half of the season, as his bit-part role in the squad continued.

Bitton hasn’t really been a first-choice at Parkhead since Brendan Rodgers first came in the door back in 2016. But despite that, he confirmed yesterday that he wants to stay in Glasgow for the final year of his contract (Daily Record).

Nir Bitton (left) confirmed he wants to stay at Parkhead (Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)

Here’s what he had to say on his potential Parkhead stay:

“I still have a contract at Celtic so I am staying. I haven’t spoken to any other clubs. As long as I am under contract and Celtic believes in me, I will stay.

“I will do everything I can to return the faith and the investment Celtic have made in in me. Leaving is not an option.”

Bit-part role must satisfy the Israeli

As it stands, Bitton is nowhere near first-choice in the central midfield positions. That tag belongs to both Scott Brown and Callum McGregor. Then there are the likes of Ryan Christie and Olivier Ntcham who are next in line.

Competition remains high for Bitton (Jeff Holmes/Getty Images)

Bitton would also have to battle the likes of Eboue Kouassi and the returning Youssouf Mulumbu. Competition for places is high in the Israeli’s position, and given that he’s into the final year of his contract, it’s difficult to see him being a priority for game-time.

Bitton doesn’t sound as though he’ll be signing any form of extension to his deal either. He stated he will stay so long as he’s under contract at Parkhead – hardly a phrase that injects confidence in a new deal being offered.

Bitton’s time playing for Celtic in big games should be over (Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images)

But it feels as though Bitton is now part of Celtic’s past. His injury problems and the form of Celtic’s current central midfielders should be enough to see him drop out for the time being.

There may not be much desire to sell the midfield star, but it feels as though Bitton’s days at Parkhead are numbered. But at the very least, it looks as though his association with the club will extend for one more year.