CELTIC will open contract talks with Ryan Christie as they look to secure the Scottish playmaker’s future. The ex-Inverness midfielder is contracted until 2022 but Neil Lennon is determined to secure his long term future with improved contractual terms.
The Daily Record are reporting that the Celtic manager is keen to restart talks as the Scottish Champions continue their pre-season preparations. Whilst it is unknown who Celtic bring in, it is vital that the team’s best and brightest remain for 10IAR.
“That’s an avenue we will look to pursue. He was terrific for us last year and I’ve love to give him an extension.
“It’s all quiet right now in terms of talks because there’s been so much going on but we’ll be picking that up again soon.
“He scored 20 goals last year and I’m sure he would have added more if the season went on. That’s a fantastic return for a wide man.
“But it wasn’t just his goals. It was his all-round game that was so important for us.”
Christie was signed from Inverness CT in 2015 with loan spells at ICT as well as Aberdeen before breaking into the Celtic first team. The failure to capture John McGinn from Hibs as well as Stuart Armstrong’s departure opened up a midfield vacancy for Christie that he seized with both hands.
The semi-final win over Hearts at Murrayfield announced Christie as a Celtic player. He scored, assisted and won a penalty as the club sealed their place in the final. Christie went from strength to strength and signed a three year deal in November 2019 but his best form came under Neil Lennon this season.
