Celtic announced yesterday on their official website that defensive midfielder Nir Bitton has signed a new contract at the club that will keep him at Parkhead until 2023, with the news also shared on their official Twitter channel @CelticFC.
It’s brilliant to have you until the summer of 2023, Nir! 🍀⚪
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 16, 2019
The Israel international agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal which will extend his stay in Glasgow to a full decade, having joined the Hoops back in August 2013. [via celticfc.net]
The Daily Record reported last week that Bitton was keen to remain with Celtic, with his family settled in Glasgow, with Neil Lennon also going public in recent weeks about his desire to keep the 28-year-old at the club (as per The Scottish Sun).
The versatile Israeli, who has been a defensive midfielder for most of his career but played mainly at centre-back this season, has come back from a year-long knee injury to make 21 appearances so far this term and 202 in total for the Hoops, with six league titles, four League Cups and three Scottish Cups among his sizeable medal haul with the club.
These Celtic fans on Twitter expressed their delight with the news of Bitton’s contract extension:
Cracking bit of business. Comes in when needed to cover a variety of positions at a good standard & never complains to the media when benched again.
— Kev (@kev_b_) December 16, 2019
A true servant to the club. Always turns up.
— 🏴Uncle Josef 🏴 (@savagehenrycelt) December 16, 2019
Absolute no brainer, can be trusted to come in and play a variety of roles,
— Joe McCluskey (@joebhoy70) December 16, 2019
Great news. You need experienced guys like him around. Versatile and reliable.
— KennyN_1 (@bhoy_1) December 16, 2019
Nice one , big man always steps up when needed , nae fuss and always gives his all 👌👏👏🍀🍀🍀
— DAMAGE INC. FRIMPONG 🤘✌️☠️🍀🏴 (@uddybhoy1) December 16, 2019
Well earned. Talk about stalwart’s of the club, big man always ready when called upon and often goes under rated. Great business 💪
— Conaill Scanlon (@conaill_s) December 16, 2019
Yes, he definitely deserves a new contract.
Will he ever be an automatic 1st team pick, no.
However what a fantastic job he does each and every time he is asked to step in, in a lot of different positions. 👏👏👏— Martin Mc1967 (@Martinmc1967) December 16, 2019
Really good business there as he can play a couple of positions and he obviously loves the club 👍🍀
— celticghirl1888 (@celticghirl0106) December 16, 2019
Do you think Celtic made the right call in extending Bitton’s contract until 2023? Share your views in the comments section below!
