Christopher Jullien has been included in Celtic’s Scottish Premiership squad just once since the end of January.
So it was something of a surprise when, speaking to Goal earlier thos month, the £7 million centre-back announced that he has been fully fit since nearly the turn of the year.
“Since mid-January, I feel 100 per cent. (My lack of game time) is the choice of the coach,” says Jullien, twiddling his thumbs on the sidelines with Ange Postecoglou reluctant to break up an ever-improving Carl Starfelt – Cameron Carter-Vickers partnership.
Given his ongoing absence from the first-team picture, the assumption was that Jullien had suffered a relapse following a knee injury that kept him out of action for 12 months.
“Sometimes he doesn’t name me on the bench because he prefers to take a midfielder who can play in central defence,” the 29-year-old adds. “I’m unsatisfied with my playing time this season. It’s frustrating.
“I still have a year of contract here. I would like to continue playing but my priority is to be on the pitch. But in my situation and with this playing time, it is not possible.”
“If the conditions do not change, it is certain that, on my side, the door will be open to continue my career elsewhere in a club where the coach would be happy to rely on my qualities.”
Is Christopher Jullien leaving Celtic?
The implication was as clear as a crisp spring morning in the Scottish Highlands.
If Postecoglou is unwilling to change his stance on Jullien, the former Toulouse giant will push for a move away from Parkhead this summer. He has just 12 months left on his deal.
Since that interview was published, two weeks ago, the Daily Record have revealed that Celtic have agreed personal terms with Carter-Vickers ahead of a permanent £6 million move for the Tottenham Hotspur loanee.
According to Sky Sports, the newly-crowned Premiership champions have also renewed their interest in Ko Itakura – another Japan international – and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Two highly-rated young defenders contracted to Manchester City.
Postecoglou’s knowledge of the Japanese game – and his contacts within the City Football Group – stand Celtic in good stead as they look to add another centre-back or two to their ranks.
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Celtic also like former Shrewsbury Town youngster Ben Crompton, now a free-agent (Shropshire Star). Joseph Okumu of Gent is another target (People Daily).
Jullien already feels like the ‘odd one out’ on the green side of Glasgow. The arrivals of Itakura or Harwood-Bellis, plus Carter-Vickers’ return to Parkhead, may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
The straw that leads to a packing of bags and a hurriedly written transfer request.
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