Ryan Christie, 25, has become one of the most important players for the Hoops in the last couple of seasons. The Scotland international registered 11 goals and as many assists in the league last season to help Celtic to a ninth successive Scottish Premiership title. He has done well this campaign with four goals and nine assists in 24 league appearances so far, whilst playing a key role in helping Scotland book a spot in Euro 2021.
However, Christie, who signed for Celtic from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2015, is yet to extend his current deal at Parkhead, which is set to expire in 2022.
Meanwhile, Southampton are currently in terrible form and lost their sixth Premier League match in a row on Sunday as Wolves came from behind to beat them 2-1 at St. Mary’s Stadium. It has been a disastrous last few weeks for Ralph Hasenhuttl, who witnessed a 9-0 thrashing of his side to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The recent loss in form has resulted in the Saints dropping out to bottom half of the Premier League table. Hasenhuttl has had to turn to a number of academy players this term due to unprecedented injuries and suspensions. As things stand, Southampton’s dreams of playing in Europe next season are bleak.
Southampton need more depth in the squad
Southampton were in great form at one point of time but injuries, suspensions and lack of consistency have seen them lose all the momentum, with teams like Wolves, Leeds United and Arsenal moving above them in the table. It is apparent that Hasenhuttl requires a bigger squad to continue playing his high-octane, attacking brand of football.
The way the Saints have performed of late is enough for Hasenhuttl to weigh up some fresh additions to bolster his squad in the summer. One of the areas the Austrian tactician should aim to strengthen is his midfield, with lack of alternatives in the playmaking role besides James Ward-Prowse, Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond hurting Southampton massively this term. Takumi Minamino is on loan from Liverpool and will return to Anfield at the end of the season, leaving Hasenhuttl’s side exposed once again in the creative midfield department.
Ryan Christie could be a quality addition to the Saints’ midfield ranks
Putting things into perspective, Ryan Christie ticks a lot of boxes to come through the door as a valuable addition to Southampton’s squad. Christie has proven his worth as a creative force at Celtic over the last few years, whilst also producing some top displays in a Scotland shirt. With his regular supply of goals and assists, the 25-year-old has become a very influential player for Neil Lennon’s side.
The Scotsman also offers a lot with his versatility as he can play in various positions across the midfield and attack. A left-footed player, he is capable of operating as an inverted winger on the right and also through the middle in a No.10 role. Given his age, Christie may well be approaching what could be the peak years of his career.
With Christie proving himself at Parkhead, Southampton should not hesitate to reignite their interest in him when the transfer window reopens.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
