Celtic are set to extend the contract of Dedryck Boyata ahead of the Scottish Cup final against Motherwell, according to recent reports. The 27-year-old told the press last night, “I am in talks with the club. I have said it before that I am happy here. Right now, nothing is done and it’s not like I can actually say what is going to be done. But I am in talks and we are trying to find some sort of arrangement. I am happy here. I have been talking a lot with the manager and trying to find a solution. I don’t want to say yes and then nothing happens later, but everything is just so positive. I am having a great time.”
Boyata has won three league titles with the Hoops ever since his arrival in the summer of 2015. The Belgian has done relatively well at Glasgow extending his tally to 102 appearances for the side while slotting in 14 goals and 6 assists.
He made headway in his debut season after costing the Celts only £1.5m and still remains one of the key components of Brendan Rodgers’ probable treble-winning season. Boyata earned himself high praises as a youngster at Manchester City and even made 35 senior team appearances. He spent 2 seasons out on loan to Bolton Wanderers and FC Twente to further his development.
Boyata has entered the final season of his contract and negotiations have been going on since March. The club seemed reluctant to offer him a new deal, awaiting his call-up to the Belgium national squad.
The centre-back has already been capped 4 times but is unlikely to be called up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup squad. Roberto Martinez is yet to announce his 23-man squad for the tournament which could dictate the fate of Boyata at Celtic Park.
Celtic certainly should not hedge their bets on the player’s national selection and should rather think about signing him to at least 2 or 3 seasons. The 27-year-old has certainly proven his worth to Rodgers and to the rest of the Hoops fans.
However, his involvement on a regular basis certainly is under question with the arrival of Marvin Compper in the January window. Currently, the club also has Jozo Simunovic, Kristoffer Ajer, Jack Hendry and Jamie McCart in the position as well.
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Since Ajer has signed a long-term deal, Rodgers could shift his attention to offloading a few pieces, including letting Boyata play out his contract.
