“After Deadline Day DILEMMA” – Full Updates on ALL Celtic Players’ contract expiry dates, and players that will leave the club in 2025.

Celtic Contract Expiry Dates and Players Set for 2025 Exits

Celtic Football Club, the reigning champions of Scottish football, are well into the 2024/25 season, striving for success across all major competitions. Under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, the club made strategic moves in the transfer market, reinforcing the squad with new signings while also letting some players leave. This blend of fresh talent and departures aims to ensure Celtic remains competitive at the highest level. As the season progresses, understanding the contract statuses of key players is crucial for the club’s planning and strategy. This article provides a comprehensive look at the current Celtic squad’s contract expiry dates, focusing on those set to leave in the summer of 2025 and beyond.

New Signings and Departures

During the 2024 summer transfer window, Celtic was active in the market, bringing in eight new players, including Auston Trusty, Arne Engels, and Luke McCowan. These acquisitions came on the back of significant financial moves, including the sale of Matt O’Riley, which provided the funds needed to bolster the squad.

In contrast, several fringe players left the club to seek opportunities elsewhere. Among those exiting were Oh Hyeon-gyu, Benjamin Siegrist, and Gustaf Lagerbielke, signaling a shift towards integrating new talents and providing more opportunities for the recently acquired and promoted academy players.

Contracts Expiring in 2025

As the 2024/25 season unfolds, several Celtic players have contracts set to expire at the end of the season. Notable among these are:

1. Kasper Schmeichel: The experienced goalkeeper, signed from Anderlecht in 2024, is one of the key figures whose contract is due to expire. Schmeichel’s presence has been crucial for Celtic’s defensive stability, bringing leadership and experience to the backline.
2. James McCarthy: Joining from Crystal Palace in 2021, McCarthy has played a role in providing depth in the midfield. While he may not always feature in the starting lineup, his experience is valuable for rotation and covering injuries.
3. James Forrest: A one-club man, Forrest has been with Celtic since joining the academy in 2009. His pace and creativity on the wings have been a consistent asset, though injuries in recent years have limited his playing time. As his contract winds down, it remains to be seen whether he will continue with Celtic or seek a new challenge.
4. Greg Taylor: Since his move from Kilmarnock in 2019, Taylor has become a reliable left-back for Celtic. His defensive skills and ability to contribute to attacks have made him a mainstay in the squad. With his contract set to expire in 2025, discussions about an extension could be on the horizon.
5. Liam Shaw: Signed from Sheffield Wednesday in 2021, Shaw is a young midfielder with potential. Although he has not yet secured a regular first-team spot, his versatility makes him a valuable squad player. His future at the club may depend on his development and ability to break into the starting eleven.
6. Joey Dawson: Arriving from Scunthorpe United in 2021, Dawson is another young prospect whose contract ends in 2025. Primarily playing in youth and reserve matches, Dawson will aim to make his mark in the first team to secure a future at Celtic.
7. Alex Valle: The defender joined on loan from Barcelona in 2024, and his loan deal will conclude in 2025. Valle’s performances will be closely monitored to determine if Celtic will seek to make his stay permanent or explore other options.

Contracts Expiring in 2026

Several players have contracts that will keep them at Celtic Park until 2026. These include:

1. Scott Bain: The goalkeeper signed from Dundee in 2018 has served as a reliable backup option. His experience makes him a useful squad member, especially in domestic cup competitions.
2. Dane Murray: A product of the Celtic academy, Murray is a young defender with promise. Signed to his first professional contract in 2021, Murray’s development will be crucial in determining his role in the squad over the coming years.

Contracts Expiring in 2027

Celtic have ensured that some of their key players are under contract until 2027, providing stability in critical positions:

1. Anthony Ralston: Another academy graduate, Ralston has become a dependable right-back since making his debut in 2015. His defensive prowess and ability to support the attack make him a valuable asset for Celtic.
2. Stephen Welsh: Like Ralston, Welsh is a product of the Celtic academy, having signed his professional contract in 2019. The center-back has been solid when called upon, offering depth in the defensive line.
3. Daizen Maeda: Joining from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022, Maeda has added pace and creativity to Celtic’s attacking options. His versatility allows him to play across the forward line, making him a key player for Rodgers.
4. Kyogo Furuhashi: One of the standout signings from Vissel Kobe in 2021, Furuhashi has quickly become a fan favorite. His goal-scoring ability and intelligent movement make him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
5. Alistair Johnston: The Canadian international joined from CF Montreal in 2023 and has adapted well to Scottish football. Johnston’s defensive solidity and crossing ability make him an important part of Celtic’s tactical setup.
6. Adam Montgomery: Another product of Celtic’s youth system, Montgomery has shown versatility, capable of playing both as a left-back and a winger. His contract until 2027 indicates Celtic’s belief in his potential.
7. Johnny Kenny: Signed from Sligo Rovers in 2022, Kenny is a promising young striker. His development will be crucial as Celtic looks to build a forward line for the future.
8. Luke McCowan: Acquired from Dundee in 2024, McCowan is a midfielder known for his work rate and passing ability. His contract through 2027 gives him time to establish himself within the squad.

Contracts Expiring in 2028

Several players who have shown their worth are under contract until 2028, ensuring they remain key parts of Celtic’s plans:

1. Callum McGregor: A leader on and off the pitch, McGregor has been with Celtic since 2013, rising through the ranks to become captain. His midfield presence is invaluable, and he remains a cornerstone of the team.
2. Maik Nawrocki: Signed from Legia Warsaw in 2023, Nawrocki has bolstered Celtic’s defense with his strong performances. His commitment until 2028 shows the club’s confidence in his abilities.
3. Liam Scales: The Irish defender joined from Shamrock Rovers in 2021 and has been a versatile option in defense. His ability to play as a center-back or left-back provides Celtic with tactical flexibility.
4. Gustaf Lagerbielke: Although he left during the 2024 transfer window, Lagerbielke initially joined from IF Elfsborg in 2023. His contract extension to 2028 before his departure suggests that Celtic may consider bringing him back in the future.
5. Reo Hatate: Hatate’s signing from Kawasaki Frontale in 2022 has proven to be a masterstroke. His dynamic play in midfield and ability to score goals make him a vital part of Rodgers’ squad.
6. Kwon Hyeok-kyu: The South Korean international joined from Busan IPark in 2023. Kwon’s energy and technical ability have added depth to Celtic’s midfield options.
7. Marco Tilio: Arriving from Melbourne City in 2023, Tilio is an exciting attacking talent. His speed and dribbling skills make him a player to watch for the future.
8. Odin Thiago Holm: The Norwegian midfielder joined from Valarenga in 2023. Holm’s potential as a creative playmaker is seen as a significant asset for Celtic’s long-term plans.
9. Yang Hyun-jun: Another South Korean talent, Yang joined from Gangwon FC in 2023. His attacking prowess and versatility have added a new dimension to Celtic’s offensive play.
10. Luis Palma: Signed from Aris in 2023, Palma is a forward known for his goal-scoring ability and physical presence. His commitment until 2028 highlights his importance to the team.
11. Arne Engels: The record signing from FC Augsburg in 2024, Engels’ contract until 2028 signifies his key role in Celtic’s future. His arrival added quality and depth to the midfield, showcasing Celtic’s ambitions.

Contracts Expiring in 2029

Players with contracts extending to 2029 are seen as integral to Celtic’s long-term vision:

1. Nicolas Kuhn: The forward was signed from Rapid Vienna in 2024. Kuhn’s attacking flair and creativity are seen as vital assets for Celtic’s forward line.
2. Cameron Carter-Vickers: Initially signed from Tottenham Hotspur, Carter-Vickers has been a rock in Celtic’s defense. His extension to 2029 underscores his importance as a leader in the backline.
3. Viljami Sinisalo: The Finnish goalkeeper, signed from Aston Villa in 2024, provides depth in the goalkeeping department. His development will be closely watched as he competes for the starting role.
4. Paulo Bernardo: Acquired from SL Benfica in 2024, Bernardo is a young midfielder with significant potential. His commitment until 2029 reflects Celtic’s investment in nurturing talent.
5. Adam Idah: The striker, signed from Norwich City in 2024, has already started making an impact. Idah’s contract until 2029 shows Celtic’s faith in his ability to lead the line in the coming years.
6. Auston Trusty: Trusty joined from Sheffield United in 2024 to strengthen the defense. His contract through 2029 indicates that he is a part of Celtic’s long-term plans to maintain a solid defensive foundation.

Conclusion

As Celtic navigates the 2024/25 season, the management of player contracts will be crucial in ensuring the club’s continued success. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents, Celtic is well-positioned to compete on all fronts. By securing key players on long-term deals, the club aims to build a squad capable of dominating Scottish football and making an impact in European competitions. The expiration dates of contracts will be pivotal in the club’s decision-making process, influencing future transfers, renewals, and the integration of academy prospects. As the season progresses, Celtic fans will keep a keen eye on the performances and future of their beloved players, hoping for continued success and silverware.