Report: Ryan Christie open to staying at Celtic; new contract talks underway

By John McGinley

August 9, 2021

Ryan Christie is open to staying at Celtic and signing a new contract, contrary to rumours, The Scottish Sun has reported.

It’s been assumed that because Christie hasn’t put pen to paper on a new deal he wants to leave the club. His current deal expires in less than six months and he is free to sign a pre-contract elsewhere.

However, Celtic have now opened talks on a new contract in Glasgow, despite interest from Burnley and Crystal Palace, The Scottish Sun says.

A concrete offer has yet to be tabled, but the report sparks hope that Christie could well end up staying at Celtic after all.

The attacker was in incredible form yesterday, creating three assists for his teammates. He looks like a diamond fit for Ange Postecoglou’s new tactical system. Getting a new contract over the line would go down very well with supporters.

The manager has already admitted he’d love the player to stay, so really the ball is in the court of the player. Hopefully Celtic manage to offer him a deal worth staying for!

Ryan Christie Celtic contract situation has parallels to James Forrest

You may remember that when Brendan Rodgers first arrived at Celtic in 2016, James Forrest was in a similar situation.

The winger was coming off a poor season at the club and looked destined to leave Celtic at the end of that calendar year.

However, promising early form sparked renewed contract talks and given he was clearly wanted by Rodgers, Forrest signed up to a new deal. He then went on to play the best football of his career over the following years.

Christie can do the same here. It’s not over until it’s over. The club should be doing everything they can to sign him up. Especially as he’s apparently not as dead set against leaving the club as assumed.

Get it done!

In other news, Kyogo Furuhashi reacts to incredible reception from Celtic supporters.