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Note: There has been more than one player to play for Celtic with the same name, so please check the other namesake if need be.
Personal
Fullname: David Turnbull
aka: ‘The Wizard from Wishaw‘
Born: 10 July 1999
Birthplace: Carluke, South Lanarkshire
Signed: 27 Aug 2019 (from Motherwell, est £3.25m)
Left: 1 February 2024 (to Cardiff City, est £2m plus addons)
Position: Midfielder
Debut: 2020-09-12: Ross County 0-5 Celtic, SP
Squad No.: 14
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: ? [complete at end of career]
International Goals: ? [complete at end of career]
Biog
“Turnbull, sometimes you feel he can turn up in a game and really dominate it. And other times, he doesn’t function as strongly as you think he should do in games.”
Ex-Celtic manager and now football analyst Martin O’Neill (Dec 2023)
David Turnbull had a very rocky route to finally signing up for Celtic. The young man from Wishaw was seen to have a big future ahead of him, but it almost never came to pass.
In 2019, he was initially arriving at Celtic as the new hot property in Scottish football at youth level having won the young player of the season award from the Scottish Footballers Writers Association whilst he was at Motherwell. Actually at this time, there were a number of great Scottish youth talent, with ex-Celtic youth player Andy Robertson at Liverpool having won the European Cup recently. Celtic had Christie, Ralston, Johnstone and Tierney amongst others, and so obtaining David Turnbull seemed to be quite a coup. Although the Scotland national side was still poor.
His prospective signing to Celtic was to become a bit over-dramatic. Over the space of a week, an accepted offer was publicly announced, then Celtic pulled it, and Turnbull was supposedly to move to Norwich (newly promoted to the EPL) or to Sheffield Wednesday. However, Turnbull turned down Norwich despite going there for a medical, and returned up north to accept the Celtic offer. Norwich were actually offering far higher wages, so it can be taken that Turnbull opted for the sacrifice for football & home reasons.
Games had been played and the Celtic support felt that this was parallel to the loss of John McGinn the previous season to Aston Villa; this was all deja vu and many criticised the board. This time Celtic got its man, signing him up in June 2019. It was a relief for all at Celtic, with some media men having to waddle away with their tail between their legs.
However, then the transfer was off once more after just a week due to failing the medical. It was frustrating, and he was out needing surgery & recovery for much of the next season. Worse was that the coronavirus pandemic hit the world, reducing further gametime to get him back fit.
Celtic though didn’t lose faith, and in August 2020 the club revived the deal and transferred in David Turnbull for £3.25m, with kind words from all round to help him in his transition. He was coming to Celtic under a cloud, as Celtic had just been knocked out of Europe by Ferencoveros and two players had handed in notices to quit. There was even a lot of disquiet from the support about the manager (Neil Lennon). Turnbull had a lot to help out on as Celtic were heading for ten-in-a-row but he had arrived at a time when all began to fall apart at Celtic.
Celtic Career
Once he got going, you could see his talent, starring in a 5-0 victory over Ross County. His debut goal was a very welcome one, coming back after Covid, he scored the winner v Lille in an admittedly dead rubber match in the Europa League, but it was Celtic’s first victory in six matches. Turnbull was praised for his performance, and after all the setbacks it was a very welcome moment for him. He had shown a sleekness and confidence that had been drained from some of his colleagues of late.
He was lost twice due to Covid isolation (once contracting the disease), further disrupting his development. However both he and Soro were to be the only bright lights from an otherwise shambolic 2020/21 season that saw a deflated Celtic side squander an opportunity to make history with ten league titles in a row. The management was most at fault, but the other players could have looked to Soro & Turnbull to see the effort required to help turn things round. To prove his worth, he won the Celtic players young player of the year, a great start for Turnbull despite the poor season for Celtic, as well as PFA young player of the season.
Ange Postecoglu era
Under the new regime Turnbull had to now be seen to help shore up the midfield. He was to be a regular player, winning plaudits from all when he scored his first Celtic hat trick in a six nil win over St Mirren in the league. It proved he was a key player for Celtic in their rejuvenation.
However a very poor performance v Bayer Lev in September 2021, in which he was deemed wholly to blame for the first goal conceded, and it turned the game against Celtic in a humiliating 4-0 defeat. Must note that Celtic were dreadful practically through all of the European campaign that first season under Postecoglu.
Despite that he kept his head held high and was a fine consistent player, supporting McGregor and the multitude of new players.
One admirable aspect about Turnbull was his genuine honesty and respect, for example when he scored an absolute ‘screamer’ against his home club Motherwell in October 2021, he was reticent on field and calm when really he had the right to be up in the air. When asked, he replied on the respect he had for what Motherwell had done for him, and on the goal: “I just thought, ‘I have to strike this’ and put a bit of swazz on it”.
As ever he was back out due to injury for a few months after being injured in the league cup final victory over Hibs in December 2021. As much as he was missed, Celtic had pulled themselves back on top in the league title race. The problem was that a new raft of Japanese players had been brought in and so he had more competition for places. He was still deservedly played with Celtic going on to regain the league title, a first league title for Turnbull.
Into the next season (2022/23), it was a mixed bag. He scored a clever goal to seal the season defining 4-0 victory over Sevco at Celtic Park, but he was to be mostly sidelined from the first team.
One surprise moment was when he received a straight red v St Johnstone at the tail end of a league match on Christman Eve (2022), after what can only be best described as a like a ‘kung fu’ kick at the goalkeeper when going for the ball! The worst part was that it kept him out the match v Sevco in the New Years game.
However despite being in and out the side he more than demonstrated his ability with some fine skill and goals when opportunities arose. The more critical were saying he was back in the queue and struggling to match the plethora of other midfield talent outshining him on the pitch. Celtic won the domestic treble this season, but David Turnbull was not central to this success. He needed some luck & a run of games to once again prove himself.
Brendan Rodgers era (2nd stint)
Now under his third manager at Celtic, it was once again a make or break season for Turnbull who caught the eye in the pre season games. Rodgers acknowledged his form, and Turnbull repaid the faith, scoring a double in a MOTM performance v Ross County on Flag Day to get Celtic’s season off to a flying start (Aug 2023).
However the following match brought him down to earth, Celtic may have won 3-1 v Aberdeen, but Turnbull after a silly yellow card had a poor match and was pulled off for Hatate at half time. Hatate then turned the game around and demonstrated his greater strengths for Celtic. It just demonstrated the challenge ahead for Turnbull.
Despite that set-back he was still repeatedly called upon, and very much punched above his weight in the squad, pulling the side forward even when under the cosh. The problem was that despite the goals, he was not developing as was hoped he would, possibly he was losing faith in himself.
He did stumble in certain matches, and it was clear that when push came to shove that Rodgers preferred other players. By the time Turnbull took a touch on the ball, and then steadied himself to make the vital pass and then play it, other players like Hatate were already two moves ahead. That wasn’t to cut Turnbull down, as was a decent footballer but he just was as he was as a player at this time, and at Celtic there was sadly often little patience with players. He always contributed well, but struggled to provide even more, with his lack of pace in particular being an Achilles Heel on occasion.
Coming into his last season on contract and having not signed an extension exacerbated the situation, although he was still respected on a personal basis. He was sold in the January 2024 transfer window to Cardiff City for an estimated £2m, which avoided losing him for nothing in the summer coming.
We wished him the very best.
Post-Celtic
[….]
Quotes
“He chose Celtic, which was his choice. Good player, good lad, good representatives, he’s chosen a great club”
“As I said to him when he was trying to decide: ‘Listen mate, have no regrets, you’ve got to go where you want to go and if your heart is set on Celtic, it’s set on Celtic – because you’ll be here and in a month thinking you’re going back up to Scotland’.
Stuart Webber, Norwich Technical Director (2019)
“Absolute buzzing sign with @CelticFC been a crazy year for me but all worth it at the end! Can’t wait to meet everyone and get out there and get started!”
“It’s great to join the biggest club in Scotland and I want to help us win more silverware in what I know is an important season for Celtic.”
David Turnbull on twitter (Aug 2020)
“We can take pride knowing we’ve played a part in helping develop this exceptionally talented footballer and young man, whose legacy will endure for many years.”
Motherwell Chairman on David Turnbull (2020)
“Just a quick thank you to David for everything he has done for Motherwell FC, both on the pitch and off it. He’s a credit to himself and his family and I hope he has the fantastic career his talent deserves. He’s one of our own and one we can be very proud of.”
Motherwell Chief Exec Alan Burrow on Turnbull (Aug 2020)
“I just thought, ‘I have to strike this’ and put a bit of swazz on it.”
Turnbull after scoring a cracking goal v Motherwell (Oct 2021)
“To be honest, I just leave it to the club and those that are involved with it. I just try to do my talking on the pitch and try to focus on my own game and not focus on that too much at the moment. You can overthink things in life and in football, especially. It is just about focusing on each game at a time. We have a lot of games coming up thick and fast, so just focusing on all of them.”
Turnbull on contract renewal talks (Nov 2023)
“[Midfield is] one of the areas I want to improve in the team. What we have is, we’ve David, whose strengths – with the greatest of respects – are to play against low blocks when we’re trying to nick a goal. Getting around the pitch is maybe not a strength. When you go into Champions League games you need that ability to run. So, then Paolo has played in those games. It’s finding that sort of complete package, really. Callum has played in that deeper role for a few years but [moving him forward] is something I’ve thought about. Tomo would’ve played in Lazio if he was available, but sadly he missed out [through not being on the UEFA squad list].”
Rodgers (Dec 2023)
“Turnbull, sometimes you feel he can turn up in a game and really dominate it. And other times, he doesn’t function as strongly as you think he should do in games.”
Ex-Celtic manager and now football analyst Martin O’Neill (Dec 2023)
– “After 3 and a half great years full of ups & downs it’s time to say goodbye!134 appearances for this club is way more than I could have imagined at the start of this journey & 6 trophies to add on top of that🏆.
– “A big thank you to the fans who supported me, all the staff who I have worked with for believing in me & always trying to help! Also to the players I have made some friends for life and memories I will never forget.
– “It’s been a pleasure @CelticFC”
David Turnbull via Instagram (Feb 2024)
“I think it was the right time for me [to move on]. I had a great time at Celtic, a great three and a half years, and I loved every minute of it but maybe the last six months to a year hasn’t been the way I wanted it.
“To come to a team like Cardiff is a great move for myself. Its about trying to replicate some things I have done before and putting my own style on to the team.
“At the start of the season I was playing games and after that fell away a wee bit. Sometimes in football that happens.
“Whether it is down to other things I am not sure, but I leave Celtic happy with a lot of my time there and it’s time to come on to new things now.”
David Turnbull post-Celtic to BBC Wales (Feb 2024)
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES (subs) |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 2020-21 | 31 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 35 |
| Goals | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
| 2021-22 | 25 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 34 |
| Goals | 6 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 9 |
| 2022-23 | 28 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 37 |
| Goals | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 2023-24 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 19 |
| Goals | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Total | 100 | 5 | 7 | 20 | 125 |
| Goals | 25 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 30 |
Honours with Celtic
Pictures
KDS
Articles
Motherwell Beat Top Clubs And Sign Up Young David
May 21 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser
MOTHERWELL have beaten both of the Old Firm and a host of English sides to the signature of Wishaw wonderkid David Turnbull.
The nine-year-old midfielder was with Newmains Hammers for four years and came to the Fir Park club’s attention after scoring in every game for the last year – despite being a year younger than his team-mates and opponents.
Hammers coach Alan McNeil is delighted with David’s progress and said: “David has grown into a very talented footballer and I genuinely believe he is destined for the top.
“I have a good relationship with Stuart Ogilvie, a youth scout at Motherwell, and I was delighted when he told me David was to sign.
“I’m sure Motherwell will have a tough time in the future keeping the big guns of Scottish football at bay.
“I know this because over the past few weeks my phone has been ringing constantly from SPL teams enquiring about David.
“Teams like Aberdeen, Falkirk and – this weekend – both Rangers and Celtic have all been desperate to land him.
“I honestly couldn’t be happier for David. He’s a great lad with a great attitude and is a dream to coach.”
Motherwell’s head of youth development, Gordon Young, was pleased to have secured the services of the Lammermoor Primary School pupil.
“I was becoming concerned that we might lose David as I know there are a number of other clubs keen to take him,” he said.
“I am absolutely delighted and I’m sure he’ll do pretty well here.”
David Turnbull: Celtic move for football reasons, says manager Neil Lennon
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48720004Neil Lennon says it’s ‘quite a coup’ David Turnbull has chosen to join Celtic over Norwich CityDavid Turnbull has chosen to join Celtic rather than Norwich City for “footballing reasons, not financial”, says manager Neil Lennon.The 19-year-old midfielder will complete his move from Motherwell, pending a Friday medical.He will sign a four-year-deal, with the Fir Park club receiving a £3.25m fee.”He sees Celtic as a great pathway for him to progress in his career,” said Lennon. “He’s a very good Scottish talent that we want to nurture.”Turnbull travelled to Norwich this week after initial contract talks with Celtic stalled. Turnbull set for four-year Celtic deal Motherwell accept Norwich bid for Celtic target Motherwell teen rejects ‘magnificent’ Celtic offer The story behind Turnbull’s rapid rise”Some deals are quicker than others,” added Lennon. “David had options that he was quite right to pursue. Thankfully, he’s chosen us, which is quite a coup. He’s chosen us over Norwich for footballing reasons, not financial, trust me on that.”He’s a player we’ve admired for a while. He had a great breakthrough season.”He’s an elegant player, technically he’s very good, proficient with both feet and he scored 15 goals in 30 games, which is quite a return for a midfielder.”Could he go straight into the team? Of course he could. It’s good to get one over the line and hopefully there are more (signings) to come.”‘We are looking in three or four areas’Lennon aims to have more new faces in his squad for the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria and Switzerland next week.Nick Hammond, previously director of football at Reading and technical director at West Bromwich Albion, is joining Celtic on a temporary basis from 1 July to assist with the recruitment process.”He’s having a look at us and we’ll have a look at him,” said Lennon. “Nicky is very experienced. He has an impeccable reputation and his contacts are impeccable.”We have a wage structure, so it’s important we don’t over egg things. We want to find quality, we want to try and find them early.”We are looking in three or four areas and I think we are someway down the line on a number of options for each position.”Lennon also confirmed there has been “interest” in some of his current players but no bids have been received.
David Turnbull and Celtic were ‘miles apart’ as John Kennedy lifts the lid on transfer saga
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/david-turnbull-celtic-were-miles-16543660Norwich City have opened talks with the Motherwell after a move to Parkhead dramatically collapsed on
ByAndy Newport 17:13, 19 JUN 2019Updated18:03, 19 JUN 2019-1:25Get the biggest Celtic stories by emailSee our privacy noticeMore newslettersCeltic and David Turnbull were “miles apart” after the dramatic collapse of their move for the Motherwell prospect.The Premiership champions opened talks with the 19-year-old last week after offering to exceed the Steelmen’s record transfer fee with a £3.25million bid.The Hoops made what they claimed was a “magnificent offer” but Turnbull did not accept what they put on the table.Parkhead chiefs issued a take-it-or-leave it ultimatum last Friday before finally backing out of the deal completely on Tuesday night.Turnbull is now holding talks with Norwich after the Canaries agreed to match the terms initially lodged by Celtic.(Image: SNS Group 0141 221 3602)But assistant boss John Kennedy insists the Scottish champions are not worrying about missing out and have already moved on to their next target.”We made him a very good offer and to his representatives,” said Neil Lennon’s number two. “We showed a great interest to the player.Read More”But how they’ve seen it and how the representatives have seen it, it’s obviously miles apart.”We’ve got a number of targets and if it’s not right for us then we’ll move on to our next target and that’s what we aim to do.”If he goes and signs for Norwich then good luck to him. He’s a good player, a talented player but we made him a good offer.(Image: SNS Group)”We’re a terrific club with a proven record of developing talents, young players. Ryan Christie, Kristoffer Ajer, Odsonne Edouard – they’re all young players who need the game time, need the right platform to develop and become proper players.”We thought David could be one of them, but there’s a number of players like that around.”We thought it was a good fit for us but not everything works out so we’ve got to move on and do business elsewhere.”These things happen but in the transfer window, you don’t just put all your eggs in one basket.Read More”We showed an interest in the player, made a good offer to Motherwell and it came down to player and the representatives who decided not to take the offer.”We’ll move onto the next one. We’ve already been discussing that and looking at the next targets which we’ll continue to do.”Things will materialise in the coming weeks. It’s early days, the middle of June and a lot of clubs are still on holiday.(Image: PA)”That’s the challenge we face when we’re trying to do business this early. A lot of clubs are holding fire for a few more weeks.”The Celtic top brass were criticised by some supporters when they missed out on landing John McGinn from Hibernian.And the loss of another bright Scottish talent will leave the Parkhead faithful frustrated again.But Kennedy insists Celtic are right to stick to their valuation of Turnbull’s abilities.”We’re fair,” he stressed. “We’re not offering them youth-team money. It’s a very fair offer.Read More”It’s not just financial. The players we’re trying to attract, it’s about selling them the bigger picture and the club they’re coming too.”Celtic have been operating without a head of recruitment since the departure of Lee Congerton last month.But Kennedy added: “Things are still functioning as normal. What heads of recruitment do, they come in and do what’s right for the manager and the club.”They don’t come in and do things their own way. They have a view, an opinion, but ultimately they have to go out and sign players which suit the manager’s style, the club’s structure.”
David Turnbull opens up on Celtic switch
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/celtic/transfer-talk/news/david-turnbull-opens-up-on-celtic-switch_411887.html
Aug 2020
David Turnbull was delighted to seize a second chance to sign for Celtic after overcoming the worst moment of his life when a failed medical scuppered a move last year.
Celtic have agreed to pay Motherwell a similar fee to the potential £3.25milion on offer in June 2019 after Turnbull bounced back from surgery which followed the discovery of a latent knee problem.
The midfielder was coming off the back of his breakthrough season, having netted 15 goals in 30 league games, but has proven in recent weeks that he is back to form and fitness following two operations.
Motherwell said the fee was nearly double their previous transfer record – which was the £1.75million received from Celtic for Phil O’Donnell in 1994.
Absolute buzzing sign with @CelticFC been a crazy year for me but all worth it at the end! Can’t wait to meet everyone and get out there and get started! https://t.co/hfMw31U5mQ
— David Turnbull (@10DavidTurnbull) August 27, 2020
The 21-year-old said on Celtic’s website: “To join the biggest club in Scotland, I’m just delighted.
“Looking back, the injury was the worst time of my life, really. It was so hard to take, but I knew that if I worked hard, kept my head down, the chance could come around again, so long as I stuck to it. Now, I can’t wait to get started.”
Turnbull’s arrival has given Celtic a much-needed lift following their Champions League exit against Ferencvaros and the Scotland Under-21 international is eager to contribute in the club’s quest for 10 consecutive titles. He could make his debut against his former team on Sunday.
“The success of Celtic in recent seasons has been incredible,” he said. “They’ve been so consistent as well, which is the root of their success. As soon as I’m required, I’m ready.
“I’ve played in the first five games of the season, I’ve managed to get a goal, I feel really fit and I’m just raring to go and make my mark here at Celtic.
“It’d be brilliant to win silverware this season at Celtic. I obviously grew up playing with Motherwell, and while we were involved in cup finals, there was maybe less of an expectation to get there.
“It’s the opposite at Celtic, so to be involved in big games, tournaments and cups would be an honour for me and my family. I can’t wait to do whatever I can to help Celtic win more trophies in this important season ahead.”
Turnbull signed a new contract with Motherwell after making his comeback just before lockdown, thus ensuring his boyhood heroes were well compensated for his ultimate departure.
The fan who lived the dream and now leaves behind a legacy.
Thanks for everything, @10DavidTurnbull. pic.twitter.com/QQT42ePEb2
— Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) August 27, 2020
Fir Park chairman Jim McMahon said he had mixed emotions over the transfer, which follows big-money sales of the likes of Louis Moult, Marvin Johnson, Cedric Kipre and James Scott in recent seasons.
McMahon wrote on the club’s website: “As chairman, I am delighted with this clear vindication of our strategy. For the health and prosperity of our fan-owned club, we must continue on this path.
“As a fan, I also feel the loss of such talented individuals who contribute to our success on the pitch. Everyone at the club does, particularly our manager. Stephen (Robinson) has performed phenomenally across his almost four years in charge.
“The money we receive for David will allow us in part to build up the strategic reserve, which helps secure and sustain us through such difficult and uncertain times.
David Turnbull netted 16 goals in 35 starts for Motherwell
“But this is also an opportunity to invest in the infrastructure, for example our training ground, academy and other facilities, with a view to providing an even better environment for player development.
“We wish David every success for the future. He is a local boy who has supported this club all of his life and has given us many memorable moments on the pitch.
“His agreement to extend his contract is a testament to his integrity and in doing so he secured the club’s interests as well as his own.
“As I’ve said above, as a fan, I regret to see him leave Fir Park. But the club can take pride knowing we have played a part in helping develop this exceptionally talented footballer and young man, whose legacy will endure for many years.”
David Turnbull and the 18 Months Left on his Current Celtic Contract
By Niall J 24 January, 2023
-https://thecelticstar.com/david-turnbull-and-the-18-months-left-on-his-current-celtic-contract/
In the history of Celtic transfer deals the protracted nature of David Turnbull’s move from Motherwell takes some beating. Initially in the door and in the Hoops, his unveiling as a Celtic player was then delayed some 12 months following a knee injury highlighted in his medical in the summer of 2019. By August of the following year – and after an initial five appearances for the Steelmen following a long, hard recuperation process – Turnbull had proved the long lonely hours spent in rehab had resulted in a full recovery and Celtic made their move again.
David Turnbull celebrates with team-mate Kyogo Furuhashi after scoring their side s third goal of the game during the Scottish Cup fourth round match against Morton at Celtic Park, Saturday January 21, 2023. Photo Jane Barlow
It took a little time for Turnbull to convince Neil Lennon he was worth a starting shirt, but when he got his chance, the midfielder stood out as a bright spark in a long dark season. After signing a four-year deal, the much-anticipated debut finally came as a substitute in a 5-0 rout away to Ross County and a first start for Celtic following a fortnight later in a 2-0 away win at St Johnstone.
His first goal was the winner in a 3-2 UEFA Europa League win over Lille and he also scored in each of the last three SPFL games of that month. Turnbull finished with nine goals scored in his 35 games for the Hoops in his first season, as well as winning the fans player of the year.
After just under a year at the club Turnbull became a vital part of Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic revolution playing almost every minute in the first eleven until a League Cup final hamstring injury ruled him out until the tail end of last season.
Since then, Turnbull been less of a fixture in the Celtic side – instead used far more often as a rotating Number 8 – and appears at this juncture to be behind the likes of Aaron Mooy, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate in the attacking positions anchored by Callum McGregor.
In recent games Turnbull has returned to the side playing and scoring against both St Mirren and Morton and has certainly given Ange Postecoglou some food for thought when it comes to starting positions in the weeks ahead.
Yet forcing his way past his direct competition for a starting berth may be a tough ask, however you wouldn’t put it past Turnbull to force his way in. After all his strength of character and resilience has been confirmed not only by his recovery from that serious knee injury which scuppered his first chance of a move to Celtic, but also in his unwavering commitment to the cause when options to rotate in the first six months of Postecoglou’s reign were thin on the ground.
Celtic v St Mirren – cinch Premiership – David Turnbull right scores their side s fourth goal of the game during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, : Wednesday January 18, 2023. Photo Andrew Milligan
It now feels like David Turnbull is at a crossroads in his Celtic career, and with his contract due to expire in the summer of 2024, it is somewhat surprising an extension has yet to be agreed, whilst players such as Juranovic, Giakoumakis and Abada were all rumoured to have been offered fresh terms despite having far longer to run on their respective deals.
Of course, here may well be negotiations going on in the background, but at 23 years of age Turnbull is surely an asset Celtic would wish to tie down to a longer deal on improved terms even if only to protect the value of a player, who would with a lengthy contract, demand a substantial transfer fee.
There is another reason why an extension of Turnbull’s stay may also be prudent. Celtic’s cosmopolitan transfer incomings in recent times has seen an influx of players from across the globe, all with the belief these signings will slowly but surely build a Celtic side who can compete at a European level. Yet the need for homegrown players when it comes to Champions League squad requirements must be an important part of the club’s squad building process and with little to no Scottish signings in the twenty plus signings Celtic have made since Ange Postecoglou rebuilt this Celtic squad almost from scratch, the need to ensure those who are of a sufficient quality and qualify under UEFA’s requirements is a vital consideration.
Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Celtic and Greenock Morton at Celtic Park Stadium on January 21, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
As such a contract extension for David Turnbull must be on the agenda, after all his quality as a player and his resilience as an athlete all point to the best of David Turnbull’s career still lying ahead of him.
Of course, Turnbull himself, like any good player will know his own worth and will have his own career ambitions to consider. After all Turnbull probably should have forced himself onto further international recognition than his five caps to date, and perhaps a lack of regular gametime in recent times has impacted on his chances of impressing Steve Clarke.
David Turnbull of Celtic battles for possession with Lewis McGrattan of Greenock Morton during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Celtic and Greenock Morton at Celtic Park Stadium on January 21, 2023.. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Turnbull has also had to contend with press questions of late as to whether he would consider heading out on loan if game time didn’t materialise. In the absence of any rumours regarding a temporary switch, such questioning could be construed as being disrespectful to a player who was a regular selection prior to his Hampden hamstring injury, yet the lack of gametime for such a talented player likely encourages such conjecture.
Celtic could put all of that to bed with the offer of a new contract of course but it remains to be seen if such an offer would be forthcoming and whether David Turnbull himself would be willing to commit in the absence of regular first team starts.
Niall J