Club president makes Ryan Gauld situation much messier as Celtic watch on

By John McGinley

June 27, 2021

Farense president Joao Rodrigues has thrown a spanner in the works of any Ryan Gauld move this summer, a player Celtic are said to be watching.

It was reported last week that the Bhoys were one of the team’s tracking Gauld’s situation, who is also the subject of a lucrative offer from Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer.

However, Farense are claiming they have an extra year on Gauld’s contract and are expecting a transfer fee.

As quoted The Sunday Post [27/06 print edition, Post Match supplement page 11], club president Rodrigues said: “Ryan Gauld is a Farense player. He has signed a contract extension, so Farense will do everything to defend its rights.

“We have complied with Ryan, as we have always done, and he with us.

“Our intention is to keep him, and extend the contract for more years.”

Celtic transfers need to be quick and easy this summer which could rule Ryan Gauld out

The Sunday Post report that Gauld’s representatives are confident he is a free agent, able to sign for another club, and will seek legal redress if necessary. Clearly though, this is one that could run.

Perhaps it’s also why clubs such as Celtic haven’t put forward an offer. I can’t see the Bhoys wanting to get involved in legal complications, we have enough on our plate as it is.

Celtic target Ryan Gauld / (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Gauld was a standout in the Portuguese top-flight last term, scoring nine goals and assisting seven from attacking midfield. He’s one of the most exciting budget players currently on the market.

The creative talent is beginning to fulfil the promise of his early career at Dundee United. His next step will be one to keep a close eye on.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou goes in depth on the next Celtic captain question; will likely come from within.