Neil Lennon comments on reports Celtic ace Dedryck Boyata is joining Hertha Berlin

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Neil Lennon has been quoted by the Sunday Post as saying that he is still “hopeful” that Celtic can convince centre-back Dedryck Boyata to remain at the club.

Boyata, 28, is in the final couple of months of his contract at Celtic. It comes after the Belgium international was desperate to leave last summer, but Celtic rejected a bid of £9million for the defender from Fulham (Times).

The former Manchester City star has continued to prove to be Celtic’s best centre-back, remaining first choice and the obvious pick when the Hoops have all options available to them.

Recent reports have suggested that is about to come to an end, though. German newspaper Bild claim Hertha are set to sign Boyata on a pre-contract basis, but Lennon responded by saying he hopes Celtic can still keep Boyata.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there is interest in him, but we are still hopeful that we can persuade him to stay, which would be great for everyone,” Lennon said.

Lennon’s comments are somewhat surprising given that many had believed that Boyata will be the first through the exit door as soon as the season ends.

TBR’s view

Keeping Boyata would be amazing for Celtic. He is a class above the Scottish Premiership, and certainly more than adept at playing in either the Champions League or the Europa League.

But the chances of Celtic actually convincing him to remain at Parkhead is almost zero. Boyata knows he is better than Celtic, and that is likely to see him leave this summer.

Hertha Berlin would be a somewhat disappointing move for Boyata, who is certainly more than adept at playing in a Europa League side.