FORMER Celtic star Charlie Nicholas says he expects Odsonne Edouard and Kris Ajer to leave this summer – but has urged the club to do everything in their power to persuade Ryan Chrstie to stay.
There is the prospect of a huge overhaul at Parkhead this close season – right down from the imminent departure of chief executive Peter Lawwell.
Nicholas wrote in his Daily Express column that he expects manager “Neil Lennon to be axed” – although for now the Northern Irishman has been involved in bringing in new players such as former Sheffield Wednesday star Liam Shaw.
And he also forecasts huge upheaval in the Hoops’ playing squad – with talisman Edouard and Ajer among those set to lead the exodus.
Scotland hero Christie is another man whose contract expires in 2022 – leaving the club vulnerable to a big offer in the final year of his contract – but Nicholas says he would be looking to persuade him to stay.
The Tartan Army hero was criticised by Hoops fans after spurning a glorious chance during the 1-0 defeat to Ross County in the Highlands.
While David Turnbull’s emergence has been a “positive” this year, Nicholas thinks it is madness to build the new Hoops team around one man.
He feels persuading Christie to stay could begin a new Hoops era with a Scottish core including the likes of him, McGregor, Turnbull, Greg Taylor and Mikey Johnston, while skipper Scott Brown could combine coaching with a pay-as-you play deal.
He said: ” I expect Neil Lennon to be axed by Celtic this summer but his replacement faces a gigantic rebuilding job.
“There are a few players I would keep but I would expect some of the big names to go, such as Kris Ajer and Odsonne Edouard.
“Edouard will be off this summer no matter what and it seems Ajer has done his time and is now looking for a fresh challenge.
“Selling either or both players would bring in a decent amount of money that could be reinvested in the squad.
“The players who are currently on loan at Parkhead – Diego Laxalt, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Shane Duffy – will also go back to their parent clubs.
“I would be looking to persuade Ryan Christie to stay.
“Callum McGregor remains a key player, as is James Forrest, who is coming back to full fitness.
“They are both good, tried and trusted players.
“Celtic should also keep Mikey Johnstone, Greg Taylor and David Turnbull.
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“Turnbull has been a positive this season. I have heard a lot of people say that Celtic should build a team around him but that is mad!
“Celtic have never built teams around individuals.They didn’t do it for Bobby Murdoch, Jimmy Johnstone, Kenny Dalglish or Henrik Larsson.
“Celtic’s essence has always been the team as a whole.
“Lennon’s sides have always been about hard work, but with top-class players who can make the difference.
“He doesn’t have top-class players anymore. He has good players who are low in confidence because the loss of 10-in-a-row has sucked everything out of them.
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The captain, Scott Brown, is coming to the stage where, if he gets a coaching role, his playing deal should be pay-as-you play.
“Leigh Griffiths is just about finished and the next manager will have to ask questions about the striker’s future.
“I would also be looking more at getting rid of a lot of deadwood in this Celtic squad.
“Boli Bolingoli and Vakoun Issouf Bayo are due back at Lennoxtown in pre-season and Olivier Ntcham could also come back if Marseille don’t take up the option to buy him.”
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