Bidding for James Forrest should start at £25m.
That’s the view of Neil Lennon on the day that the winger signed up to a new contract keeping him at Celtic until 2023 then scored his 10th goal of the season in the 2-0 win over Motherwell.
Forrest was given his debut by Lennon in 2010, as a substitute in a 4-0 win over Motherwell and responded with a goal with Aiden McGeady, Darren O’Dea and Robbie Keane also on the scoresheet.
McGeady was soon transferred for £11m to allow Lennon to build a new side, this summer Kieran Tierney was sold to Arsenal for £25m with Lennon putting his goal scoring winger in the same bracket.
Speaking after the 2-0 win over St Mirren the Celtic boss told The Sun:
We gave him a new deal and I don’t care how much money we pay…he’s priceless to me. What would he cost? You’d start the bidding at £25m. That’s what I would ask for anyway but he’s not going anywhere – we’ve got him secure and he’s happy.
I’m sure there has been interest in him but James has never wanted to leave. To have him is pleasing and that will settle him down and hopefully he will continue with his consistency.
He is inventive and that’s him got ten goals already this season. That’s an amazing return. You saw his quality, scored a brilliant goal and was exceptional. James is in his peak years and is part of a front four that can be devastating when they turn it on.
With 17 winners’ medals to his name the experience of Forrest will be vital this season as Lennon constructs another new side.
Mo Elyounoussi on the other wing scored for the third SPFL match running while Greg Taylor made his debut as Celtic made it three wins in a week following on from the matches against Lazio and Aberdeen.
