Jozo Simunovic’s departure from Parkhead has left many in the Scottish game surprised given the contribution that the Croatian has made over the last few seasons.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Rangers full-back turned pundit, Alan Hutton, has expressed his shock at seeing the centre-half leave the Hoops.
So what has Hutton said?
When asked to comment on the news that Simunovic would not be staying at Celtic, he said:
“I thought he’d been one of the main defenders throughout the years, he’s obviously been part of the treble-winning teams and he’s lifted a lot of trophies so it was a bit of a shock, I must admit.
“Whether he’ll go somewhere, somewhere bigger, I’m not sure if he’s got any interest, but I thought Celtic would tie him down. He seemed to be a key part over the past few years since he came in.
“It’s a shame but it’s football, it happens.”
So is Hutton correct?
Neil Lennon may not have a vast array of centre-halves at his disposal but given Simunovic’s struggles with injury and reluctance to play on artificial pitches, it isn’t as big a surprise as some may think to see him leave.
He has made 126 appearances over his five year spell in Glasgow but for perspective, Callum McGregor has played nearly as many games over the last two season alone, the big defender has missed a lot of games.
Celtic had the option to extend his deal but chose not to take it which would suggest that Lennon and the recruitment team have replacements either lined up or already committed to the club but, given the complicated transfer market are unable to confirm anything just yet.
Simunovic never really fulfilled his potential at Parkhead but he leaves with an impressive trophy collection and if it wasn’t for the embarrassing number of plastic pitches in Scotland, could well have added to them.