Ryan Christie move from Celtic to Bournemouth leaves an underwhelming taste

By David Walton

August 31, 2021

Ryan Christie has decided that a move to Bournemouth was right for him instead of staying at Celtic.

The move was announced by both clubs this evening as the Hoops lost one of their key players on deadline day.

It didn’t come as a major surprise to the Celtic supporters. Christie was into the final six months of his contract and appeared destined for the Parkhead exit door.

There was evidently no rush to sign a new contract. Had he wanted to stay, there was no chance he was going to allow his deal to enter such a late stage.

Reports of how much Celtic have managed to bag for him varies. The Daily Record believe we’ve banked £1.5m. Sky Sports, meanwhile, report that it’s £1m more. But what can’t be denied is that it’s an extremely underwhelming move.

Ryan Christie leaves Celtic for the English Championship and Bournemouth

Christie could’ve been part of something special at Celtic Park. Ange Postecoglou was clearly a massive fan of his, and that showed in how often he played him.

However, the Scotland international has chosen to throw that away. And all simply for the opportunity to join England’s second tier.

There’s no denying that Christie wants to test himself in the EPL one day. It’s likely the precise reason as to why he moved to Bournemouth in the first place. But a big year under Postecoglou and he could’ve been celebrating a move directly to England’s top tier.

Christie leaves Celtic a successful Hoops figure. He won the quadruple treble and was a big part of Brendan Rodgers’ success. He’ll be welcomed back whenever he decides to take in another game at Parkhead.

But even so, many have been left questioning the player’s ambition. Here’s a look at some of the reaction to tonight’s news:

In other news, Report: New Celtic signing Giorgos Giakoumakis to arrive in Scotland tomorrow