James Forrest signs new contract extension with Celtic
The club's most decorated player will remain at Celtic until the end of next season
Quick Look
- Celtic winger James Forrest has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of next season.
- The 34-year-old, who has won 26 trophies with the team, continues to be recognized for his impact as a substitute and his long-standing career.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
James Forrest is a long-serving winger for Celtic, having spent his entire professional career at the club. He has been a consistent presence despite numerous changes in the squad's wing options over the years.
James Forrest has signed a new deal at Celtic, keeping the club's most decorated player on until the end of next season.
The 34-year-old winger has won 26 trophies, including 13 league titles, and has scored 110 goals in 564 appearances.
"I've been here my full career and I've loved every minute of it," said the Scotland international, who has found the net in each of his 17 campaigns.
Speaking to the club's website, he added: "We've been so successful in my time here and I'm delighted to have signed another year, and I'll just give my best to the club for however long I'll be here.
"While I'm still playing I can hopefully keep contributing and helping the team when I can and I'm just going to give it everything until I finish. When I do stop, I will look back on so many great memories, but hopefully I can make a few more before I do finish."
Forrest has featured in 36 games this term and made a big impact as a substitute in Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren.
"I really want James to finish his career," said interim manager Martin O'Neill. "I just didn't want him to be going elsewhere, and I think he wanted that as well.
"But the major point about taking anyone on is to know whether they're worth an extra year and James has proved this season that he has been worth that.
"He has changed games, and he has done wonderfully well. His contribution in recent weeks when he's come off the bench has been absolutely terrific, and he has deserved it, and that's the point.
"So, take sentimentality right out of it, he's deserved it.
"He's been immense for the football club since Neil Lennon brought him in when he was a young kid in the reserves, and he is what I love – I love players who take people on and he can take people on, even to have that little burst of pace at his age is worth its weight in gold."
Tom English, BBC Sport Scotland notes that Forrest is a bit-part winger these days. Forrest has started seven games this season, 11 the season before and single figures for the two seasons before that. Part of that was influenced by injury but in other part it was down to the arrival of new wingers. Regardless, Forrest remains the constant, the great survivor and the enduring influencer.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Forrest will likely continue to be utilized as an impact substitute for the remainder of his contract.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What is the specific salary or financial terms of the new deal?
