Scottish Premiership, one of the most famous football leagues not so long back, has lost its essence in recent years. The esteemed competition has failed to match financially with Europe’s top leagues and lost their relevance in top European tournaments. Celtic are the undisputed kings of Scotland following Rangers’ downfall but their dominance has been confined in domestic competitions only. Brendan Rodgers, the Hoops boss, is trying hard to develop an array of prodigies who will restore their pride in abroad but, at the same time, struggling to keep hold of his key resources.
Tom Rogic, the 25-year-old Australian, has recently rejected a contract extension offer amid speculations of a summer move in some other top European league with a better wage structure. The midfield attacker will be out of contract next summer and the club is annoyed due to the player’s willingness of weighing up options before deciding his next career move.
The Socceroos international has gifted the fans memories to cherish since plying his trade to Parkhead from Central Coast Mariners back in January 2013 and also signed a contract extension in 2016 fending off interest from European big guns Arsenal, Fiorentina, and Valencia. He has a record of scoring crucial and scintillating goals that earned him a pivotal role under Brendan Rodgers.
Rogic helped the gaffer to conquer a domestic ‘treble’ in his debut managerial campaign when he scored a late winner against Aberdeen in 2017 Scottish Cup final. He scored a long-range stunner against age-old rivals Rangers at Ibrox earlier this month and played his part in scripting a glorious comeback victory in the Old-Firm derby.
The Celtic star will be entering the final 12 months of his contract this summer but is in no rush to commit his future for the time being. Although his representatives are open to renegotiating terms, Rodgers must explore his alternatives in case the player opposes to continue. It, however, won’t be easy to replace his quality as well as experience and the gaffer should go for someone within the club rather than bringing in a rookie from somewhere else. The former Liverpool gaffer is lauded for nurturing prodigies and he already has one in form of Ryan Christie who might prove to be a like-for-like replacement of their Australian wizard.
The 23-year-old Scotland international joined the Hoops back in 2015 but struggled to earn a regular status and was sent on loan to Aberdeen for the second half of the previous campaign. There he impressed immensely that earned him another loan spell with the Dons for the entire 2017-18 season. Christie is continuing his good work at Pittodrie and his good work has now been rewarded with a contract extension offer.
The midfield attacker too wants a happy return at Celtic and is eyeing the pre-season to stake a claim in Brendan Rodgers’ plan. Rogic, however, is unlikely to be sold this summer even if he refuses to extend his stay but a player of Christie’s potential must be handed opportunities to prove his worth to the Scottish champions.
