Celtic and Ange Postecoglou appear to be facing a serious defensive dilemma this summer, which could have major implications on the upcoming season and beyond. There had been a growing expectation that Christopher Jullien will depart the club in the ongoing summer transfer window. His lack of game time and limited opportunities under the former Australian national team manager was believed to be reason why.

Jullien has himself expressed that he is not happy with the current situation. And with him now entering the final year of his contract at Parkhead, this could be the right time for both the club and the player to part ways.

Jullien signed for Celtic from Toulouse back in the summer of 2019 for a transfer fee of around £7 million, a major amount for the Hoops to shell out for sure.

He had a great time at Parkhead in his first season and even scored the League Cup-winning goal against the Rangers in 2019/20 season. A long-term injury derailed his Celtic career though. He did not make a single appearance in 2021 and has only played once, that too as a substitute, since returning earlier this year. Even then, it would not be ideal to see him walk out on a free transfer next summer and that is where the club face a major dilemma.

Jullien makes surprise Celtic future decision and hands club a major dilemma

As reported by the Daily Record, Jullien has told Celtic he’s ready to stay and fight for his place this season.

On the surface of it, that seems like great news and might save the club on having to shell out to bring in a replacement defender. But it does run that risk of his contract running out next season and him leaving as a free agent.

Also, who knows if he will be able to perform, if he has to step in, in case either Cameron Carter-Vickers or Carl Starfelt get injured next season.