The mystery of David Turnbull’s contract situation at Celtic

What now for David Turnbull? According to reports Celtic haven’t stopped in their pursuit of securing yet more of the playing squad on long term contracts. Hot on the heels of Callum McGregor, Kyogo, Daizen Maeda, Liel Abada, Stephen Welsh, Tony Ralston, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley penning new deals, the word is that the club are looking to tie down both Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor on similar deals.

David Turnbull of Celtic scores penalty. Celtic v Dundee, Cinch Scottish Premiership, 16 Sep 2023 Photo Robert Perry/Shutterstock

That would be great news and although there is no rush to do so, it’s another step in the right direction from Michael Nicholson and the Celtic Board. Only one thing is a little uncertain at the moment and that is the future of David Turnbull.

The Bull is out of contract in the summer and will be free to talk to any interested clubs in January. I’d find it strange if the club aren’t looking to enter negotiations with the Scotland midfielder as his deal runs down.

Celtic v Aberdeen – David Turnbull poses with the trophy after the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday May 27, 2023. Photo Andrew Milligan

I might be wrong and there could be something going on in the background, especially as Brendan Rodgers suggested that this would be something he’d be happy to look at after the first game of the season against Ross County.

Considering David Turnbull cost Celtic around £3.5 million, so you’d presume the club would be looking to protect their asset in line with the structure we operate and not see him leave as a free agent.

Celtic v Ross County – David Turnbull scores their side s third goal of the game during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday August 5, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

David started the season well before fading a bit, but still has a part to play under Brendan Rodgers as he’s involved in every match day squad under the Irishman. He certainly contributed to the late drama at Fir Park at the weekend when he came off the bench as Celtic chased a breakthrough goal.

Is a new deal on the cards? Or are the club willing to let David’s run down his contract? Time will tell.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

3 Comments

  1. Still remains very difficult to call the turnbull situation?
    If he wasn’t Scottish we would possibly be looking elsewhere to improve upon his role within the squad imo.
    Done enough to justify the fee and wage paid for him, yet can he really take his game to a higher level, to justify a new improved contract?
    Not so sure any longer with remaining fairly limited as a player, even though I thought a bright future awaited for himself with ourselves.
    Can Rodgers generate the improvements required within his game, remains to be seen yet, but certainly Ange didn’t with limiting his game time than what it is currently.
    The decision will possibly come down to turnbull himself, as to weather he wants to remain as a bit part player, able to fill a position in a 8 homegrown Scottish player for CL?
    At this stage of his career, I think turnbull might be looking for more, not so sure he will actually find it though?
    He might hold a few cards with being Scottish, but ability wise, I wouldn’t be as confident upon his future with us either?
    The 8 Scottish homegrown rule will continue to cause us huge problems within European football, but is Turnbull really a solution long term?
    Unfortunately I no longer think so imo.