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da betano casino： Celtic manager Neil Lennon is keen on Mikael Lustig staying at the club next season, despite his contract expiring shortly, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
What’s the story?
Lustig, who was signed by Lennon back in his first spell as Hoops boss, is one of the longest serving members of the Celtic squad but to date there’s been little sign of movement when it comes to extending his stay at Celtic Park beyond another treble winning season.
Lennon though has confirmed talks have taken place regarding an extension, explaining to The Scottish Sun:
“I have spoken to him, but not to his representatives. I had good feedback from Mika.
“I would like him to stay. I think he still has a year or two in him.
“He has been a fantastic player for the club. He has been pivotal on and off the field.”
With a notable decline in his playing performances over the last 18 months, is a renewal of Lustig’s contract wise, especially if it’d be a potential two-year deal?
Keith from C’mon the Hoops throws back to the ‘Battle of Britain’ from the 2003 UEFA Cup quarter-finals in the video below…
Should Celtic keep Lustig?
The argument for keeping the veteran Swedish international is strong, but with certain caveats.
With Cristian Gamboa and Jeremy Toljan leaving the club this summer, there’s little chance of Celtic entering the market and signing two quality right-backs, so keeping Lustig for another year makes some amount of sense.
There’s no doubt he is a leader on and off the pitch, but he is also a critical weak link in the team on a consistent basis, with opposition often directly targeting Celtic’s right flank when he is playing.
In bigger matches and against better teams that could prove costly.
Signing him up to a new deal then should come with the promise to supporters that the club are seeking a new first-choice right-back to play regularly and Lustig should be informed his role would be strictly as back-up or as relief against lesser teams.
No sentiment
A two-year deal, as hinted at by Lennon, seems excessive and is surely capitulating to sentiment that dictates the long-serving player should be here for a potential 10-in-a-row winning season.
The evidence he can play at the top level for another two seasons is not there and if Celtic are to maintain the incredible success they have enjoyed over the last few years then there is no room for such sentiment or complacency.
The Hoops need the best players available in all positions and can’t afford to carry Lustig for too long beyond his use by date.