AFC Bournemouth have officially secured the services of Ryan Christie for three years after the attacking midfielder passed a medical in Edinburgh this morning. Christie, whose Celtic contract was set to expire in fourth months, reportedly turned down interest from Burnley in favour of a move to the south coast.
Another one through the door 😏
Ryan Christie is an #afcb player 🤝 pic.twitter.com/96ljTsFG1l
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 31, 2021
The deal is set to see Celtic net approximately £2.5m for the player, who could otherwise have departed on a free transfer in January. In that sense, the Hoops have done well to bolster their budget in a small way, after contract negotiations with the Scottish international stalled last week.
Christie is currently with the Scotland squad in Copenhagen ahead of their World Cup Qualifier against Denmark tomorrow night. He departs Celtic on the back of a disappointing 1-0 derby day defeat, but can be pleased with his overall record of 41 goals in 151 games for the club.
Ryan followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined Celtic from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the summer of 2015. He was immediately loaned back to the highlands, before being sent to Aberdeen for another (two) loan spell(s) in 2017. Having impressed at Pittodrie, and transformed his body composition by putting on over a stone in muscle, Christie returned to Glasgow and ignited his Celtic career with a sensational goal against Hearts in the 2018 Betfred League Cup Semi-Final at Murrayfield.
Ryan Christie (vs Hearts) pic.twitter.com/XmS1dQDizi
— Nicky ニッキー (@CelticNick) April 4, 2020
After making the breakthrough at Parkhead, the midfielder went from strength to strength under the management of Brendan Rodgers. He bagged the winning goal, ironically against Aberdeen, in the 2018 League Cup Final and became an ever-present in midfield.
Over time, Christie was asked to play on either wing and as a conventional central midfielder, as well as being deployed in his preferred number 10 position. Known for his industrious style of play, endless energy and long range shooting, he played a key role in Celtic’s domestic success and the positive Europa League group stage campaign of season 2019/20. To make matters sweeter, he found the net against Lazio at Celtic Park and scored outstanding goals in both the Scottish Cup Semi-Final and Final, on the way to completing a historic Quadruple Treble.
INCREDIBLE strike for Ryan Christie as he delivers another Hampden screamer 🔥
“It’s an absolute wonder of a goal from Ryan Christie!” 🗣 pic.twitter.com/YQC0cE3HMd
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) December 20, 2020
Things didn’t work out for the player or indeed the club last term, as Celtic ended the season trophyless for the first time in over a decade. The 26-year-old turned in some frustrating performances, and infuriated many supporters with his erratic shooting at times. However, he did rekindle his form under the fresh managership of Ange Postecoglou in the early stages of this season. That transition prompted hope that contract discussions could prove fruitful, but sadly it wasn’t to be.
Ryan Christie had Celtic’s two best chances last night, even on a rough pitch this was some miss. To succeeed at football you need to do two essential things; defend well and take your chances, Celtic have done neither well this season & consequentially have struggled. pic.twitter.com/XwN4fO1I0A
— Lisbon Lion (@tirnaog_09) February 22, 2021
AFC Bournemouth are getting a talented, energetic and versatile midfielder for a very cheap price. Meanwhile, Christie enters the next stage of his career with memories of thunderous European nights, regular matches in front of 60,000 supporters and seven major trophies to his name (one of which was won at Inverness Caledonian Thistle).
We wish him the best of luck!
I wonder if Ryan Christie’s school report used to say. Gifted footballer but lacks ambition.
I wish him well but Bournmouth ….. really. Sadly lacks ambition.
He will be a loss to Celtic that is for sure. My main worry though is that Celtic have neglected to sort out the centre of defence. I cannot see us winning the league with the defence as it is and will be truly found out in the Europa Cup group games.