All signs point towards getting a new deal for Dedryck Boyata needing to be the number one priority for Celtic, at least based on his performances in green and white. The Belgian defender has enjoyed a stellar season so far, and with his current contract expiring at the end of the season, it almost seems obvious for the club to make their move.
However, perhaps we’re being a little bit premature, given how little of the season has taken place so far, and particularly in the context of the defender’s latest display.
Boyata has been away over the last week or so with his native Belgium. Coming off the back of a run of good club games, he deserved his spot in the squad, and he was given a spot in the team against Switzerland at the weekend.
The game began well for him, but it quickly fell apart, and by the time it was over, it was undoubtedly his worst display of the season so far. He was mistake-prone and poor, and he was genuinely the man most at fault as his team collapsed to a 5-2 loss.
Boyata has never been the most consistent player, but it’s been a while since he had been so poor, and that should concern Celtic.
Sure, he could come back to Celtic Park and put in a stormer at the weekend, but does that change anything? Let’s not forget the circumstances that he began the season with, not to mention the fact that the season isn’t even half-way finished yet.
If Celtic agree fresh terms with him, it will only take another performance like that which he showed against Switzerland for the perception of him to change even more so.
We’ve been the first to praise him this season, but perhaps waiting a few months more before offering him a new deal is the best course of action, after all.
Thoughts?