Celtic are reported to have opened talks over a new contract for Liam Scales.
When Brendan Rodgers returned to Celtic in June the former Shamrock Rovers defender barely figured in his thoughts but since coming into the side at the end of August he has been an ever present and broke into the Ireland international squad.
During the summer Celtic spent more than £7m to bring in Gus Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki but neither has made the same impression in defence as Scales.
Coming from Shamrock Rovers the 25-year-old won’t be on a big money contract but that could be about to change according to a story in the Daily Record:
Celtic have pushed the button on their bid bid to extend Liam Scales’ contract.
The Hoops have now opened discussions with the Republic of Ireland international, who is out of contract in the summer of 2025. Brendan Rodgers is looking to extend that agreement having been impressed with his fellow Irishman who has gone from the fringes to become a key man for Rodgers’ side this season.
The manager said last month that contract talks had begun but Scales contradicted that a couple of weeks later by saying there had been nothing really in terms of discussions.
Celtic have now come to the table and want to sort out the 25-year-old’s long-term future. The Scottish champions signed him from Shamrock Rovers in 2021, and he had a successful loan at Aberdeen last season before a defensive crisis this season opened the door for him to get his big break at Celtic.
He has also broken into the Republic of Ireland set-up and become one of Celtic’s first-choice defenders.
That report is from Scot Burns who has a solid record on transfers and contract matters.
With 31 appearances to his name and the endorsement of Rodgers Scales is in a strong negotiating position as he looks for a deal to reflect his status in the squad.
Top names like Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley have renewed contracts in the last year with Scales in line for a significant uplift if he agrees to a new contract.
CLICK HERE for Scales Transfermarkt profile.
CLICK HERE for Celtic 23/24 appearances.
OK, so he’s not prime Vincent Kompany, Virgil, or Baresi or whoever. However, the lad looked solid enough the few chances he got under Ange. Turned in a decent performance and scored a great goal vs Dundee Utd playing at LB. More importantly, when we were in the brown stuff early in the season with defensive injuries, the lad stood up and helped us to a win at the Govan Asbestos Arena, with a great personal performance too that day.
He’s deserved his place since and, while he may not be first choice long term, with a fully fit squad and some “non-project” additions over the summer, he’s worth keeping as back up at least. I’m sure his new contract won’t burn too much of a hole in Lawell’s £100m nest egg anyway!