Compared to last summer, this one is expected to be a much calmer one in terms of incomings and outgoings for Celtic. Twelve players, ten on a permanent basis and two on loan, arrived the last time around. On the other hand, first-team stars like Scott Brown, Kris Ajer, Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie left while several key loanees returned to their respective clubs as well. Thus, Ange Postecoglou arrived at Parkhead staring a quite a rebuild.
It is safe to say that the rebuild went quite well, as Celtic close in on an unexpected double. They have already won the Scottish League Cup and are just a point away from sealing the Premiership title. That is quite an achievement after finishing 25 points behind the Rangers last season.
As a result, the squad is much more settled now and as many exits and incomings are not expected this summer. But it appears that one Celtic star might have hinted at a potential Parkhead departure.
Nir Bitton has been with the Hoops since 2013 and been part one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. He recently posted pictures with his children inside an empty Celtic Park on his Instagram stories, with the caption reading: “Its been a hell of a journey.”
Bitton appears to hint at Celtic exit this summer
While nothing official has come out yet, that does seem like a subtle hint at a potential Celtic exit in the future.
Bitton has not been regular starter for the club this season, and is playing the role of a substitute at the moment. And if Celtic do end up strengthening further in the summer, he could slip further down the pecking order.
Bitton is still just 30 years of age though and should have plenty of football left in the tank. Thus, it is very possible that he might not be keen on sitting on the bench for Celtic moving forward. His current deal is believed to be running out in the summer of 2023 and as a result, if the club are to get a transfer fee out of his exit, they will have to let him leave soon.