The announcement that Nir Bitton was leaving Celtic at the end of the season did not come as a surprise. Rumours had been doing the rounds in the media for a while now and it was an open secret by now. The hammer blow was the revelation that Tom Rogic will be drawing a line on his Parkhead career as well and depart the club, after enjoying his best season of football in years following the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as manager in the summer.
After spending the last few years on the periphery of the team, Rogic became a key player for Celtic once again this season. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he made 49 appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 10 assists for the club across all competitions.
Thus, it is safe to say that his exit is a major surprise and a blow as well. Not many would have seen it coming, especially with a year still left on Rogic’s deal.
Anthony Joseph has now shed some light on the situation and it looks like Celtic wanted to extend the deals of both Rogic and Bitton, but the players were seeking a new challenge after spending almost a decade at Parkhead and their wishes were respected. The journalist tweeted out:
Celtic were keen to offer Rogic & Bitton new deals beyond their expiry dates of summer 2023 - but both players wanted to seek a new challenge this summer. Having been incredible and long-term servants for the club, those wishes were very much respected.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) May 13, 2022
Are Celtic going to miss Rogic and Bitton?
For two players who gave so much of their careers to the club, it is only right that they be allowed to leave when they want to. They have earned that with their service over the years.
But the timing of this is pretty bad for Celtic. Rogic had become a key player for the club. On the other hand, while not a regular starter, Bitton was a reliable option to bring off the bench.
Not only are Celtic losing two very good players but they are losing a lot of experience as well, which could have come in handy in the Champions League next season.
It goes without saying that Celtic will need to bring in replacements for both Rogic and Bitton in the summer. The interesting thing will be whether they are able to fill the two veterans’ boots.