Celtic should go all out to keep this player from leaving

It's the right time for some players to leave Celtic. Other's we should try and keep.

We are all expecting a big turnover of players at Celtic Park this summer. Clubs from across Europe have been linked with several key players in the squad that will undoubtedly need replaced. Daizen Maeda would obviously be in that category. We all saw the immense contribution he made during the last 7 games or so to help us secure another league title. Sadly, I think if Daizen was going to sign a new deal and stay it would have been done by now. I think we have to accept the likelihood that he will be moving on.

Celtic’s No2

There’s another player who has been linked with a move that I’d fight hard to keep this summer. Celtic’s No 2 Alistair Johnston. People don’t often think of fullbacks when talking about players who are indispensable to the team but we saw the difference he made coming back into the side for the title run in last season. A great player that is likely to have suitors from down south this summer. In all honesty I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go. For me, Johnston could slot into most sides in Europe and not look out of place.

Can he be convinced to sign a new long term deal?

If it were up to me I’d be doing everything I could to persuade Johnston to stay this summer. I’d start by offering a new contract that made him one of the better paid players at the club, if he isn’t already. I’d also seriously consider him for the captaincy if we lose McGregor to the middle east, which looks a possibility. What does this team look like next season losing McGregor’s and Johnson’s leadership?

With the squad likely facing several key sales I wouldn’t want to see Johnston joining that exodus. During the Canadian’s absence last season Araujo received a lot of praise from supporters for his desire and performances. For me though, Johnston is several levels above the Bournemouth fullback, especially going forward. With seemingly three years left on his deal there is no rush, however I’d seriously try to extend his contract again for the long term if it meant he stayed. Even if he can only be convinced to stay another season, it gives us time to remodel the squad and revisit his situation next summer. Johnston seems like a leader off and on the pitch and sets an example every time he plays for the club.

We need all the positive characters we can get at the club during this period of heavy transition. If he can be convinced to stay then it would be one of the best bits of business the club does this summer. He’s likely to have several options to move on this summer so here’s hoping he’s still here when the window slams shut.

Tim Lisbon

All views expressed on Celtic DNA are personal opinions and are for commentary and discussion purposes only

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