Scottish Premiership champions Celtic were linked with a massive bid for Uruguay’s World Cup star Giorgian De Arrascaeta in the summer transfer window.
It is hard to believe that Ryan Christie could hardly get a game for Celtic just a few weeks ago.
After returning from a loan spell at Aberdeen, the talented midfielder found himself stuck on the bench on the early months of the 2018/19 campaign. But Christie has suddenly emerged as one of the first names on Brendan Rodgers’ team-sheet after a quite remarkable U-turn.
The Scotland international has now scored five times in his last six games for Celtic, following up his winner in the League Cup final against former club Aberdeen with a wonderful strike in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock.
These days, Christie is Celtic’s go-to creative force; the man who makes things happen in the centre of the park. In fact, he has been so impressive that the Hoops’ failure to make Giorgian De Arrascaeta their marquee summer signing has been all but forgotten.
According to the Sun, the Scottish Premiership champions were very keen on the Uruguayan international with Brendan Rodgers sending scouts to watch the fleet-footed attacker in action for Cruzeiro.
De Arrascaeta, who is renowned in South America for his ability to tie opposition defenders in knots, was understood to be valued at a massive £18 million.
And, while he would surely have brought a sprinkling of star quality to Celtic’s midfield, Christie’s increasingly impressive displays are showing that Rodgers can do without De Arrascaeta at Parkhead.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
