According to the latest reports from the Sun, Premier League outfit Burnley are eying a cut-price deal for Celtic’s versatile midfielder Nir Bitton. Burnley are said to be eying a £1m move as Bitton’s contract is expiring in the summer of 2020.
Bitton’s importance so far this season
Before the ongoing season started, many might not have batted an eye if a player like Bitton would have gone on to leave Parkhead. However, the Israel international showed his value early on in the season when Celtic didn’t have too many defensive options. Bitton started at centre back and looked at ease in defence even though he is predominantly a defensive midfielder. His tall frame and physicality made him good in the air, and he was able to play out from the back well due to his on the ball qualities.
With Burnley now interested, we think that Bitton should soon be handed a new contract after he showed how valuable he could be in defence. The Hoops have struggled with injuries at the back, and they cannot afford to lose any more defenders. Jozo Simunovic is currently out with a long term injury, and he is unlikely to play any part this year.
Even when Simunovic, recovers, he will need some time to get up to the pace of the Premiership. Until then, Bitton will remain a crucial backup option for the Hoops in defence with Kristoffer Ajer and Christopher Jullien being the first choice.
The 28-year-old has been with Celtic since 2013, and he has seen a lot of successes over the years. However, he has been off the radar in the last few years. Bitton struggled with injuries last season, and he only featured in 6 games in the Premiership starting only 3 of them.
However, this season Bitton was used in the biggest of games as he played a crucial role in beating Rangers when Gerrard’s men were being built up as the big favourites. His calmness and assurance in possession and reading of the game were top notch.
What now for Lennon?
Burnley are currently an established side in the Premier League, and there is no doubt that Bitton’s head could turn in January. One can’t even blame Celtic for letting Bitton enter in the final year of his deal without renewing it as nobody saw it coming how crucial he can be in the centre back role. We think that Lennon should try to get him on a new contract, but it wouldn’t be unimaginable to see him leave in January for the Clarets.
