Celtic manager Neil Lennon has confirmed that attacking midfielder Ryan Christie is considering leaving the Scottish champions in the search for a new challenge.
The Hoops are currently in negotiations over extending the 25-year-old’s contract beyond 2022, but Lennon revealed that the player has said to him he would be looking to move from Parkhead at some point in his career:
“Talks are ongoing between the club and his representatives. He has also said he would like a different challenge at some stage in his career. Currently, I think he still has a lot to do and prove here at Celtic and to be fair to him he’s worked really hard the last few games.”
Lennon’s statement did not go down too well with some Celtic supporters on Twitter who don’t believe Christie’s recent form merits his desire to leave for another club:
Thinks he's better than he is & regularly makes poor decisions that are aimed that making himself look good, rather than for the benefit of the team.
If he wants to go, let him, he'll end up rich and bouncing around the lower half of the EPL or top half of the Championship.
— Damien O'Kane (@Damo_) November 22, 2020
Hes been rubbish for weeks you can tell he wants away he will be the next tony watt
— kate dunbar (@katedunbar61) November 22, 2020
He should challenge himself to not overhit a cross
— Cuish1888? (@cuish1888) November 22, 2020
Couldn't cross a road never mind crossing a baw.
— Quadruple treble. ???? (@Fulton_Mersey) November 22, 2020
He should learn to cross the ball and not want to take every set piece as there is nothing at the end of it. If he does not want to be at the club show him the door the same for any of the player's
— Paradise (@67HolyGrd) November 22, 2020
Must think he's the best player in the team. Maybe his dad is telling him he is.
— Jimmy Quillan (@JimmyQuillan) November 22, 2020
Another challenge. Try playing at a pace that is less like a headless chicken and making at least half of your crosses and free kicks get near their target
— James Lafferty (@weejamito) November 22, 2020
Cant cross a ball.
— Francis McRyan (@francis_mcryan) November 22, 2020
Beating the first man at corners would be a good challenge for him
— J Healy (@JPP1_3) November 22, 2020
Get rid of all that want away in January.
— T84 (@T841967) November 23, 2020
Four goals and eight assists in 19 appearances for Celtic is certainly not a bad return from Christie this campaign but it is a major concern that the Scottish international is not completely focused on the task at hand.
Most fans would not begrudge the playmaker leaving, as long as he gives his all this season to ensure Celtic secure their tenth league title in a row.
