Plenty of debate is going on about a lot of players’ future at Celtic right now. That has been the case for a while. The next few weeks though could be a real sliding doors period for most of them. And one name who appears to fall under that category is Scottish international midfielder, David Turnbull.
It has now been three years since Turnbull signed for the Hoops after an earlier move was delayed due to an injury. Signed for a transfer fee believed to be around £3 million in the summer of 2020, he is now entering the fourth and final year of his contract. And yet, he doesn’t seem to have established himself fully at the club.
Turnbull wasn’t often selected for a starting position under the management of Ange Postecoglou. He made most of his appearances last season as a substitute, even though he has been efficient when he has been on the pitch.
There have been rumours of Turnbull being watched by other clubs. And if he was to leave, now is the time for Celtic to make it happen, rather than risk seeing him walk out as a free agent a year later.
Rodgers impressed by fringe Celtic player
With a new manager in place, there could potentially be more opportunities on the horizon for Turnbull. A fresh eye, a different approach, an alternative way to use the player’s undoubted talents. Brendan Rodgers has certainly given him the chance to show what he can do in pre-season matches. And the player seems to have seized it with some good performances and a couple of goals.
Rodgers seems to have been impressed with what he has seen from Turnbull. As reported by The Scotsman, he said:
"“He’s been good in pre-season, I have to say.“He was excellent in Japan. I really like him as a footballer, he’s got tools, he’s comfortable on the ball and he can score goals. He’s been excellent over pre-season. His efficiency is very good. He just needs to keep working and to keep on the move. It’s always important with those players that they don’t turn the engine off, you’ve got to keep working. Like I said, I’ve been impressed with David.”"
Turnbull also took the captain’s armband for the second half against Athletic Bilbao and led the Hoops to a win after the first-half team had all been substituted off. That in itself may not be a complete sign of what happens next, but he should be encouraged by the game and preseason overall. He has given himself a great chance of more match time this season. That’s despite the club bringing in more midfield strength to the squad.
Celtic have been quick to renew contracts for a couple of key players in Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda. And if Turnbull is to stay at the club for another term you would expect a new deal to be offered. But if the player is not ready to put on paper, letting him go this summer itself cannot be ruled out.