In most businesses these days retention is regarded as being as important as recruitment with football no different.
Much of the success of Brendan Rodgers has been down to reviving players who looked to be flagging with the Irishman quick to hand out new contracts to reward those players.
With freedom of contract the clock starts ticking down on those deals very quickly with six key first team players out of contract next summer.
The Stuart Armstrong experience was a little warning about what can happen with neither party really satisfied as the player got within 12 months of his contract ending.
While bringing in new players is always at the forefront of a manager’s plans keeping on board those players already part of success is just as important.
Celtic don’t tend to go public about contract talks being underway, once an extension has been signed they’ll announce it through the website.
Players and agents respect this, anyone running to the media about contract talks is likely to be angling for a move and on their way.
STUART ARMSTRONG
It has almost been non stop speculation over the last year surrounding the midfielder.
His burst of form played a major role in Celtic’s treble success but contract discussions spilled over into August before a 12 month extension was agreed.
Armstrong hasn’t matched last season’s form with supporters disappointed that his new contract only runs until June 2019.
A move this month would be less surprising than signing a long term contract.
RYAN CHRISTIE
This could be a tricky one after he has enjoyed 18 months in the first team spotlight at Aberdeen.
He’ll be looking for assurances about his Celtic prospects before signing a new deal, if they aren’t forthcoming we could be in a situation similar to Liam Henderson this season.
Christie will return to Celtic a much better player than the one that went to Aberdeen, only Brendan Rodgers will know if he is at the standard ready to win trophies and compete in Europe.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Exactly a year ago the defender signed a contract extension keeping him in Glasgow until 2019 followed by an excellent run of form laced with goals.
At the age of 31 it becomes a season by season assessment over what is in both parties best interests.
With Cristian Gamboa dropping out the picture and Anthony Ralston injured Lustig has played more games than expected this season.
Talk of a new contract will be visited later this year following the World Cup Finals in Russia.
SCOTT BROWN
In September the skipper signed a new deal keeping him at Celtic until June 2019 with no question over his commitment.
Despite the heavy workload Brown’s form hasn’t dropped with the midfielder dictating everything about the way that Celtic play.
In Dubai he spoke about his fears about having to retire- those fears are shared by Celtic fans with a direct replacement highly unlikely.
He’ll be around Celtic for a while yet with more trophies and medals joining his collection.
TOM ROGIC
The Australian is one of the longest serving players at the club, signing up five years ago from Central Coast Mariners.
Brendan Rodgers quickly put him onto a new contract when he replaced Ronny Deila and has been rewarded with big performances and key goals.
Questions remain over his fitness which is unusual for an Australian but there’s little doubt that he is wanted and a key part of Rodgers’ plans.
DEDRYCK BOYATA
Brendan Rodgers mentioned his contract back in November but there hasn’t been any follow up from the defender.
Rodgers’ has given him the match time that he has been looking for all his career which has taken him into the Belgium squad.
Next season he enters the final year of his initial Celtic contract, the chances are that there could be more money on the table elsewhere in a deal that could suit the player and club.
JAMES FORREST
This will be a big one for the club and player.
Forrest and Celtic have stuck by each other through various highs and lows, it’s been an equal partnership so far.
The winger will be turning 28 when his current deal expires, his form this season deserves to see him hoisted onto the top earner bracket at the club.
PICTURE 8
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