David Turnbull is clearly going nowhere despite Celtic exit speculation

By John McGinley

June 11, 2021

David Turnbull sounds right up for the challenge at Celtic next season despite being linked with a move away from the club this summer.

The Scottish Sun reported in late May that Aston Villa were considering a £7m move for the player in the upcoming transfer window.

We’ve already given our thoughts on that ridiculous valuation.

That’s beside the point though.

Concerns could remain that Turnbull is seeking a quick exit from the club after a brilliant breakthrough season in Glasgow. Especially with a massive Euro 2020 tournament on the horizon. The midfielder could well shine for Scotland in a high-profile group.

However, his latest comments given to the club make it clear his focus is on next season at Paradise.

He can’t wait to work with Ange Postecoglou after his appointment, telling the official website: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s obviously a lift for everyone involved in the club, getting a new manager in, and it’s a fresh start for everybody.

“Last season went well for me and it’s just important to keep that going. It’s been great to get the call-up to the Scotland squad and going to the Euros and I’m fully focused on that at the moment, but once we’re all back with Celtic, we’ll be looking forward to working with the new manager and preparing for the season ahead.

“No matter the circumstances, once you’ve had a break you’re always looking forward to coming back in to work as hard as you can to impress. We’ll have a new manager so we’re all looking forward to meeting him and working with him.”

Obviously, Turnbull was hardly going to hand in a transfer request in the middle of that interview.

However, at the same time, I can’t see the club asking Odsonne Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer or Ryan Christie for their views on the new era anytime soon.

David Turnbull in the new Celtic away kit / (Credit – Celtic FC)

Celtic are clearly attempting to put Turnbull at front and centre next season. The other players speaking about Postecoglou have been long-term stalwarts with no hint of an exit.

Turnbull has also been featured in promotion of the new Adidas away kit.

Hopefully, the former Motherwell man is here to stay for a long time. I’d love to see him fulfil his obvious potential in the Hoops.

In other news, Yokohama F. Marinos publish incredible, inspirational tribute video to new Celtic boss.