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The critical contract month for seven Celts

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The transfer focus gets much more serious this week as the calendar flicks over from July to August along with the start of the SPFL campaign.

So far things have been fairly laid back but with less than a fortnight to go till the English transfer window closes some big decisions are very close.

Celtic have a number of players next summer with decision time becoming critical. Tom Rogic, Kris Ajer and Odsonne Edouard have all recently signed long term deals but some key players from the last two seasons have a question mark over their future.

By this stage Brendan Rodgers will know which players he wants to hold on to, others he won’t be so bothered about whether they stay or go.

The Celtic boss has allowed a number of players to leave the club but only Stuart Armstrong will be a regret, although the hoops have got plenty of midfield options Rodgers would have preferred to have kept the former Dundee United midfielder.

A year ago there was a similar situation with Armstrong, the 12 month extension was a compromise that never suited either party with his eventual departure well sign posted.

Most eyes are on who’ll be arriving at Celtic in August, there are likely to be a couple of departures and hopefully a few new contracts agreed.

The great mantra of the transfer window is to end it stronger than you entered it, that task gets increasingly tougher but achieving it keeps Celtic on the front foot pushing forward.

MIKAEL LUSTIG

Is a real conundrum for the club, he was exceptional in the invincible season but like others much flatter last time out.

He clearly enjoys playing for the club and life inside the Glasgow bubble but memories of injury hit seasons and a drop in form persist.

If he hits form in August he’ll deserve a new Celtic deal, if not his place is under serious threat in what could be his farewell season.

DEDRYCK BOYATA

It looks like odds against the defender still being a Celtic player when September comes around.

Brendan Rodgers first discussed a new contract last December but over seven months there doesn’t seem to have been much progress made.

Following the World Cup Finals his stock has never been higher, he’s unlikely to play Champions League football again but trebling his wages to £60,000/week or more should provide some consolation!

CRISTIAN GAMBOA

Despite his impressive performance against Rosenborg there won’t be another contract offer for the defender due to the 2019 Gold Cup in the USA.

As is his right international football is Gamboa’s priority with his participation in the 2017 Gold Cup explaining his lack of club activity last season.

He is a very handy back-up option, he can skate it domestically for certain but Rodgers needs players refreshed and fully fit at the start of July- next summer Gamboa will be on Costa Rica duty at the Gold Cup when the serious business starts for Celtic.

SCOTT ALLAN

Could be looking at an unexpected final season at Celtic after being sent on loan to Rotherham, Dundee and Hibs over the last two seasons.

In November he’ll be 27 and looking out for the best contract of his career- that is highly unlikely to be at Hibs as part of a deal involving John McGinn.

Next summer he can negotiate as a free agent, a move abroad would probably hold some appeal for a player with tonnes of skill but missing that certain something to be a Rodgers player.

RYAN CHRISTIE

It’s difficult to see him as anything more than back up at Celtic in the season ahead, a move outside of Scotland with a healthy sell-on clause looks likely.

Last season he played his way into the Scotland team which is something that he’ll be keen to maintain.

A move to a top half of The Championship side looks the most likely option after three nearly years at Celtic.

ANTHONY RALSTON

Seeing Cristian Gamboa lining up against Rosenborg must have been a sobering experience.

A year ago Ralston was being compared to Kieran Tierney and playing against Neymar but after a spell out injured and loan stint with Dundee United his Celtic career has gone into reverse.

He needs to get out on loan, have an outstanding season somewhere then return to Celtic next summer ready to become a regular, like KT.

JAMES FORREST

This contract issue seems very much under the radar with the winger continuing in a ‘business as usual’ mode.

Soon after Rodgers took over Forrest signed a new contract alongside Tom Rogic, in May the Australian signed a new long term deal but there hasn’t been a new deal mentioned for Forrest.

Clearly he enjoys playing for Celtic, the way his game has developed and the medal haul but he now deserves to be paid alongside the highest earners at the club. A replacement would be costly.

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