Celtic ex-star and legend Chris Sutton has shared his thoughts regarding the situation surrounding defender Christopher Jullien at the club, with Sutton anticipating the Frenchman might leave before August.
Earlier this transfer window, there have been reports that Jullien travelled to Germany to discuss a move to Bundesliga side Schalke 04. However, the defender returned to the squad for preseason training for reasons best known to the players’ representatives.
Jullien’s name made the first team sheet and scored when Celtic took on Wiener Viktoria during their first preseason game. But surprisingly failed to make the team list subsequent five games ever since, with Stephen Welsh and Cameron Carter-Vickers taking over the defensive duties for the Hoops.
Postecoglou will continue with the duo as Carl Starfelt will likely sit out the new season opener due to injury as Celtic hosts Aberdeen. Welsh and Moritz Jenz might still become favourites ahead of Jullien, with his future unclear.
Speaking in an exclusive chat with the club media Sutton has now revealed his thoughts on Jullien’s departure, saying the 29-year-old has been impressive so far when called to play, but he has been facing a lot of. Injury problems might not give manager Ange Postecoglou the confidence he has anymore.
“I think Chris is a fantastic player who has had a lot.of.injury problems. However, it depends on the manager on how he wants him to play.
“Ange is someone who wants his defenders to play from the back and help the midfielders and feels he [Jullien] isn’t competent to do so.”
Jullien’s injury has caused him a lot which has paved the way for the reliable partnership of Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers at the heart of the Celtic defence.
Jullien’s current deal is set to expire by May 2023 after joining the club for £7m. It remains to be seen if he will stay or leave by the end of the new season.
The defending champions will look to retain their title when they resume the new SPFL campaign as they welcome Aberdeen.
Written by: Akinnifesi Olumide
