The Daily Record is reporting that Celtic have the option to cut short Nir Bitton’s contract.
In 2013 the Israeli internationalist joined the hoops from FC Ashdod, playing for spells under Neil Lennon, Ronny Deila, Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou.
On 16 December 2019 the Celtic website announced:
CELTIC are delighted to announce that Nir Bitton has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal which will see him remain at the club until the summer of 2023.
The final 12 months of that contract appear in doubt with the Daily Record reporting:
Record Sport understands Celtic have the option of activating another year on his current deal but the midfielder is weighing up offers from his homeland, with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa keen on landing the international star.
Bitton hinted at the weekend his time at the club was coming to an end as he posted pictures with his family on the Parkhead pitch saying, “It’s been a hell of a journey”.
The 12 month option for the club seems to be a favoured clause in Celtic contracts, on 11 September 2017 the club announced:
(Jozo) Simunovic, who signed from Dinamo Zagreb in 2015, has penned a new four-year deal until at least the summer of 2021.
The defender was released in the summer of 2020 with Celtic not taking up the option of another 12 months.
Bitton seems to be a very popular figure among the squad with Liel Abada regularly thanking the 30-year-old for helping him settle into life in Glasgow.
If the 12 month option isn’t being taken up by the club it demonstrates a very ruthless streak from Ange Postecoglou.
The former Australian national boss appears to have complete control of the club, if Bitton is no longer required that effectively frees up one bigger than average salary for his budget. This season the Israeli has started 11 and made 12 appearances as a substitute in the SPFL.
Whether there are similar 12 month options on the contracts of Boli Bolingoli, Chris Jullien, Vasilis Barkas, Ismaila Soro and Albian Ajeti is unknown with none of those players being used in the SPFL since the turn of the year.
Those five players are all on their original Celtic contracts whereas Bitton and Simunovic signed renewals which had 12 month options in the club’s favour.
CLICK HERE for Nir Bitton’s Transfermarkt profile.
Has served celtic well if he wants to call time on his time at celtic and wants to go back home with a nice bank account good luck to him plus a is a lot warmer there .