Report: Celtic could cash in on Ryan Christie, storied Italian club interested

By Euan Davidson

July 10, 2021

Italian Serie A side Sampdoria are keen to take advantage of the uncertainty around Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie.

According to a report in the Daily Record, Sampdoria, who finished 9th in Serie A last season [Sky Sports], are keen on the Scotland star. Now coached by Roberto D’Aversa, after an unsuccessful spell under Premier League winner Claudio Ranieri, the historic Italian team have ambitions for European football.

The report says Christie, who made 15 assists last season [Transfermarkt], is the man to help achieve those aims. The Daily Record also state that that Christie is likely to decide on his future this summer, and is unlikely to sign an extension at Parkhead.

Bizarrely, Christie’s contract reportedly runs out in January 2022. Earlier this week, Sean Dyche’s Burnley were reportedly interested in bringing Christie to Turf Moor.

Monaco, Nice and Leicester City have also been credited with interest. The Daily Mail reported in June that former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was keen to reunite with the midfielder.

Christie, once a vital cog in the Celtic attack, suffered a patchy season in 20-21. Often forced to play on the right of midfield, the attacking midfielder’s best qualities were blunted by playing in an unnatural position. From making 36 goal contributions in 19-20, Christie’s numbers were significantly down last season, with 7 goals and 15 assists in all competitions [Transfermarkt].

European move would surely suit Celtic man Ryan Christie

Being linked with the likes of Sampdoria, Nice and Monaco seems more appropriate than Burnley or Leicester City, somehow.

Burnley rarely utilise a pure number 10 under Sean Dyche. Leicester City, meanwhile, boast the talents of James Maddison. Therefore, a move to either seemed unlikely from the off.

Playing in Ligue 1 or Serie A, however, would surely appeal to the former Inverness Caledonian Thistle man. Christie’s speed, vision and eye for goal seem perfectly suited to the pace of Italian or French football.

Broadly speaking, Sampdoria utilised an attacking midfielder across much of the 20-21 campaign [WhoScored?]. Using a variety of formations under Claudio Ranieri, Adrien Silva and Valerio Verre were entrusted with playing behind a main striker.

However, neither were particularly impressive in Serie A last season. It’s certainly an area where Sampdoria could upgrade. Christie, for all his faults in 20-21, could still certainly do a job in that number 10 role.

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