Why Celtic must hand fresh terms to Jozo Simunovic

According to The Scotsman, Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic has expressed his desire to extend his deal with the club as he is contracted only until 2021.

Simunovic, 25, came through the ranks of Dinamo Zagreb’s youth system and won four league titles with the club before moving to Celtic in the summer of 2015. He immediately established himself in the heart of the Hoops defence and helped them lift several trophies.

However, injuries took a toll on him in the last couple of seasons and he was on the sidelines for the majority of the last two campaigns. This term, he has featured in just six league games since returning from a long lay-off.

Meanwhile, Neil Lennon’s men have continued to dominate the Scottish league and are currently atop the league table, 13 points ahead of second-placed Rangers. They have been strong in every department and that is evident from the 89 goals they have scored, whilst conceding just 19.

Star striker Odsonne Edouard has brilliantly led the Hoops attacking unit, scoring 21 goals so far. In the defence, Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer have formed a strong partnership to hold their lines tightly, helping the team keep 15 clean sheets in 30 games.

While they have been the first-choice centre-backs, Simunovic and Hatem Abd Elhamed are the only other central defenders available at the manager’s disposal. Thus, Celtic must hand Simunovic a new deal that would keep him beyond the summer of 2021.

Simunovic may not have been at his best in the last two seasons due to injuries but he has already proven his worth at Celtic when fit. He is just 25 and could be a crucial member of the squad if he is able to keep himself away from injuries.

The Croatian has already made 126 appearances for the Scottish champions and is one of the experienced campaigners in the team. And his experience would be a huge boost for Lennon’s side. He has the ability to push himself for a starting spot and is capable of competing with his teammates.

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Verdict

With Ajer’s future uncertain at the club, with him linked with a move away from Celtic Park, it would be wise to keep Simunovic in the squad for a long time. He could provide them with stability at the back if the Denmark international leaves in the summer. Thus, Celtic should hand the former Zagreb man a new deal soon.