Ryan Christie has established himself as a key member for Celtic (Getty Images)
According to the Daily Record, Celtic are set to open contract talks with midfielder Ryan Christie to secure the star on a new bumper long-term deal.
Christie, 25, rose through the ranks of Inverness FC’s youth system and joined Celtic in the summer of 2015. But he was sent on several loan spells. He improved himself during an 18-month loan spell at Aberdeen FC and returned to Celtic Park in the summer of 2018.
Since then, he has been a regular member of the squad and has established himself as a key figure under Neil Lennon. He has been impressive in the last two seasons and has is contracted with the club until 2022. Thus, the Scottish giants should hand a new contract to Christie and keep him at the club for as long as possible.
The Hoops, meanwhile, claimed the league title for the 9th time in a row as they finished 13 points ahead of rivals Rangers when the season came to an abrupt end.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has managed to get the best out of his players and Christie has been one of the influential figures in the squad. For the club to maintain its dominant streak in Scotland, the manager should try to keep hold of his best players in the squad.
The Scottish champions managed to score 89 goals in the league in 2019/20. Star forward Odsonne Edouard has led the line brilliantly with 21 goals. However, the major reason for their consistency in front of goal is the brilliance of their attacking midfielders’ who have created enough chances.
Christie and Tom Rogic are the two attacking midfielders in the squad and both have them have done a fine job. However, it is the Scottish international who has played regularly, featuring in 24 league games this term.
In the process, he has racked up 11 goals and 11 assists and this is one of Christie’s most productive seasons in the Scottish top flight. Only Odsonne Edouard scored more goals in the league for the Hoops than the 25-year-old Christie.
The 25-year-old creative head has improved a lot this season and has been the main leader in their creative department. His numbers prove that he is a goal-scoring midfielder and that would come in very handy for the club in the future. He has the ability to lead the team and thus, Celtic should extend his stay by handing him a new deal.
At 25, Christie has a lot more to offer at a higher level and the Hoops must enjoy his service in further campaigns. He would provide them with much-needed extra goals and could be their leader in midfield in the future. Thus, they should strike a new deal with the Scottish midfielder which could keep him at Celtic Park beyond the summer of 2022.
