Despite reports of more ‘contract stalling’ at Celtic, the club and supporters have very little to worry about going into the January transfer window.
The media rumour mill was sent into a frenzy late last night and this morning, heralding concerns for the Bhoys because of an ‘unhappy’ Giorgos Giakoumakis not agreeing to a new contract – despite his current terms running until 2026. [Daily Record]
We’re not here to dismiss the information in that report. But what it all means is far from a negative for Celtic when the club sit in such a strong negotiating position.
Like the circumstances surrounding Josip Juranovic, who is also said to have rejected improved terms, Celtic hold all the cards when it comes to a potential Giakoumakis exit in the upcoming window. The Bhoys aren’t going to be strong-armed into selling on the cheap or before a replacement is found.
All of this being portrayed as a ‘shock’ to Celtic, or even the supporters is slightly absurd. Especially when you consider manager Ange Postecoglou has already signalled he will make bold recruitment decisions, even if it involves the sale of fan favourites.
It’s rather curious that so much focus would be put on Celtic contracts that run for the next four years when other prominent players in Scotland, once touted for big-money moves, can sign pre-contracts with new clubs from next month. That won’t be happening at the Bhoys.
Postecoglou remains a man fully in control of the squad at his disposal and the future direction of player trading, working happily alongside Mark Lawwell and Michael Nicholson.
Unless those relationships break down or deteriorate then I’m happy to keep trusting the ins and outs at the club, especially when for once we seem to be planning ahead and getting deals done as early as possible.
No stress, no drama and no emerging narratives of a Celtic crisis.
In other news, New Celtic Bhoy Yuki Kobayashi travels to Scotland; set for Friday unveiling.
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