Celtic are reportedly preparing to offer a substantial pay increase to one of their key players as they aim to secure a new contract in Scotland.
Celtic’s Champions League Hopes Revived:
After suffering a 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their second Champions League match of the season, Celtic seemed highly unlikely to advance to the knockout stages of the revamped competition. However, the Scottish champions have bounced back impressively, earning a draw against Europa League winners Atalanta and securing a notable 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig in their latest match.
Goals from Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate helped Celtic recover from a deficit at a vibrant Celtic Park, claiming all three points and moving to seven points from four matches. Currently positioned in one of the qualification spots, Celtic now face upcoming matches against Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb, Young Boys, and Aston Villa, with three wins likely required to guarantee automatic qualification or two for a spot in the knockout qualification round.
Domestically, Celtic have also enjoyed a strong start to the season, remaining unbeaten and sitting joint-top of the Scottish Premiership with Aberdeen. The two teams drew 2-2 last month, but Celtic later demolished Aberdeen 6-0 in the Scottish League Cup. Now, more positive news is emerging for the Bhoys.
Celtic Close to Finalizing Johnston’s New Contract;
Reports indicate that Celtic have made significant progress in contract talks with defender Alistair Johnston, with a new deal set to include a notable salary boost. The 26-year-old, described as “spectacular” by Pat Nevin following the win over Leipzig, has become a regular starter under Brendan Rodgers since joining in January 2023. Though Johnston is under contract until 2027, his excellent form has prompted Celtic to reward him with an improved contract to fend off potential suitors from abroad.
According to the *Daily Record*, Celtic and Johnston are “close” to agreeing on the new terms, with talks advancing to the point where Johnston’s agent has traveled to Scotland to finalize the deal.
Contract Concerns for Greg Taylor:
On the other hand, Celtic face a potential challenge with the contract situation of defender Greg Taylor, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the current season. Brendan Rodgers previously highlighted securing Taylor’s new deal as a “priority,” but reports suggest there has been no agreement reached yet with the Scotland international, meaning negotiations over his future are likely to become Celtic’s next focus.
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