Emilio Izaguirre’s contract situation certainly hasn’t thrilled supporters.
The Honduran stated yesterday that he had been offered another year at Celtic. He stated that the decision came from Neil Lennon, who first signed the left-back in 2010.
The reveal was surprising for several reasons. Izaguirre hasn’t performed well enough and isn’t anywhere near first-choice in the position. Lennon, meanwhile, is yet to be guaranteed the managerial role for next year either.
But supporters were perhaps more preoccupied with the former. Reacting to the news on Twitter, here’s what some in the Hoops’ fanbase had to say.
https://twitter.com/P__67/status/1125778872799256577
https://twitter.com/NotoriousBAG_/status/1125759156827361281
https://twitter.com/MartinWardhaugh/status/1125752953397293056
https://twitter.com/DeclanCarroll94/status/1125800200801521664
Nothing to overly worry about
Would Izaguirre staying be a disaster? Not really, especially considering he won’t be anywhere near first choice. But it does perhaps limit the opportunities to the likes of Andrew Gutman. The USA left-back will come back to Parkhead in the summer, and Celtic could have four players vying for the one spot.
Fortunately, however, it looks as though Izzy isn’t likely to sign it. He’s said as much, and that will hopefully make Lennon look forwards instead of backward.
The Honduran has been a sensational servant to Celtic. During his first spell at the club, he had an incredible engine on him, and his crossing ability during his early days at Celtic was eye-catching.
Now, however, it’s probably time for him to depart. He’s lost that pace he had when he was younger, and against better sides he’s been found out for it too. The home clash against Valencia in the Europa League last-32 immediately comes to mind.
As a last resort he’s hardly the worst player we can throw into that position. But Celtic fans clearly want signs of progression. An injection of freshness into the team that’s been lacking over the last two years. That even goes as deep as the cover we have available too.
The fact it coincides with the Gary Hooper rumours doesn’t help Lennon either. If he does get the gig, fans want and will demand more progressive targets than what’s been blurted out over the last week.
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