It seems that Mikael Lustig’s trophy-laden career with Celtic is set to come to an end. The Hoops defender, as reported by the Daily Record, is set to undergo a medical with KAA Gent.
Interestingly, the Record also reports that Lustig was not offered an extension to his deal with the club. This is despite the fact that Hoops boss Neil Lennon wanted to keep the player.
Should this be the case, Celtic did the right thing in not offering the veteran a new contract. Even though he has a had a spectacular career with the Hoops, the time is right for the player to leave the club.
Not the player he once was
Even Lustig’s biggest fans will accept that the player isn’t what he once was. He particularly struggled when up against Rangers’ Ryan Kent last season.
The Celtic board must feel that the Hoops would be better off bringing in a new, younger player at right-back for the season ahead.
Departure could point to new policy
That seems to be the way ahead for the club, gradually phasing out the veterans, and bringing in younger players.
It is easy to see why the Hoops boss wanted to keep Lustig. His experience would have been vital in the quest for nine in a row.
But overall, his performances in recent season don’t seem to have merited giving the player a new contract.
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