Pundit Alex McLeish thinks Celtic have likely opened contract talks behind the scenes with Tom Rogic, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: Ange’s comments
Rogic, who starred in a 4-0 win over Motherwell last weekend after being away on international duty, is out of contract in less than 18 months’ time.
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The Aussie netted twice at Fir Park, which led to Ange Postecoglou being quizzed on the playmaker’s future. Postecoglou admitted that Rogic’s contract situation was the last thing on his mind but hailed Rogic for his performance.
Rogic nearly left the club back in 2020, and McLeish thinks Hoops officials already have one eye on the future and don’t want to let the 29-year-old leave for nothing in 2023.
The Latest: McLeish’s claim
McLeish, who contributes for BBC Radio 5 Live, was asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Rogic.
He thinks talks may already be underway and described Rogic as still having multiple ‘fantastic’ seasons ahead of him.
“You absolutely wouldn’t want to lose a player of that stature for nothing.
“There’s probably talks going on that we don’t know about and Tom’s comfortable in his dealings with the club and his agent.
“Unless there’s a master plan for him and he goes somewhere else at the end of his contract.
“But certainly, in the form that he’s in and the form that we’ve seen in the last couple of years, to think he’s only 29. He’s coming to the absolute peak of his career. He is not even there yet.
“He has got another two or three fantastic seasons ahead of him, with even more experience. His legs are still good and he is a very, very valuable player.”
The Verdict: Fingers crossed
Rogic has proven to be a crucial player under Postecoglou this season and is actually the club’s only recognised senior attacking midfielder on the book. [Transfermarkt], in terms of a traditional number ten.
He has registered more assists than any other Celtic player this season, so extending his contract ahead of the summer could be a financially shrewd move too, as they would have to invest in a new creative player were he to depart.
The playmaker has already spent nine years in Glasgow, winning 16 honours, and who knows, a few more years at Celtic Park could see him reach 20.
In other news: Leeds star reacts to Ange Postecoglou comments as Celtic boss now goes viral on social media.