If it’s time up for David Turnbull, it’s vital Celtic replace him

Time up for David Turnbull? If so it’s vital he’s replaced…

Celtic v Ross County – David Turnbull celebrates scoring the first goal of the game during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday August 5, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

David Turnbull and Celtic are at something of a crossroads. The Scotland international is free to talk to other clubs as his contract expires in the summer, and as of yet there has been no signs of that changing.

David’s had a decent time at the club, winning several honours and he’s chipped in with his fair share of goals and assists. Perhaps the only criticism of him is that he’s not been as consistent as he should be, but there’s still no denying that he’s a good player.

Paradise Found – Brendan Rodgers could transform David Turnbull’s Celtic story…https://t.co/BvHRO8aboN @ordinarybhoy pic.twitter.com/zuTMWVS11Q

— The Celtic Star News Feed (@CelticStarMag) July 16, 2023

Hopes were high that he would step up another level under Brendan Rodgers, but unfortunately that hasn’t happened. Turnbull did get off to a great start under the new manager at the start of the season and that prompted Rodgers to talk openly about offering the former Motherwell midfielder a new contract.

This you will recall was around the time that Celtic were busy extending contracts for the likes of Kyogo, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor, Stephen Welsh and Anthony Ralston. Yet nothing happened regarding Turnbull’s contract extension.

Celtic v Greenock Morton – Scottish Cup – Fourth Round – Celtic Park Celtic s David Turnbull right celebrates with team-mate Kyogo Furuhashi after scoring on Saturday January 21, 2023. Photo Jane Barlow

A few months ago The Celtic Star attended a media conference with Brendan Rodgers and Joe Hart at Lennoxtown and ask both about Hart’s contract situation while also asking the manager about David Turnbull’s contract situation. It certainly looked like the club were looking at a new deal but the player was unsure, perhaps due to lack of game-time, perhaps because of potential interest from elsewhere.

If David isn’t going to sign a new deal then Celtic may well be looking to sell him in this window if an acceptable offer comes in. Celtic paid £3.5million for David and while they won’t get back what they shelled out for him, they will be looking to recoup something in the region of maybe £1.5 – £2million.

Celtic v Blackburn Rovers – Pre Season Friendly – Celtic Park David Turnbull left celebrates scoring from a free-kick during a pre-season friendly match at Celtic Park, Photo Andrew Milligan

If we do manage to get some sort of fee, it’s imperative we put that money towards a replacement for the former Motherwell man. David might not have been a first team regular, but he was still an important part of Brendan’s squad and he will need to be replaced.

Maybe he’ll have a chance to look at options elsewhere but decide to stay at Celtic and therefore sign a new contract, one way or the other we’ll know where we stand with David Turnbull by the end of the month.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy