Celtic winger James Forrest has committed to another season at Parkhead, signing a one-year contract extension that will keep the club's most decorated player in Glasgow until at least the end of next season. The 34-year-old, who has amassed 26 major honours in green and white, put pen to paper on a deal that manager Brendan Rodgers believes is fully merited based on performance, not sentiment.
Key Takeaways
- Contract Length: One-year extension, keeping Forrest at Celtic until summer 2026.
- Record Honours: Forrest is the most decorated player in Celtic history, with 26 major trophies.
- Career Stats: 110 goals in 564 appearances for the Hoops across 17 seasons.
- Manager's View: Brendan Rodgers insists the deal is earned, highlighting Forrest's impact off the bench.
Enduring Legacy at Celtic Park
Forrest's journey at Celtic began as a youth product, and he has since become a symbol of consistency and success. The winger has scored in every one of his 17 seasons with the first team, a remarkable feat that underscores his longevity. His trophy cabinet includes 13 Scottish Premiership titles, seven Scottish Cups, and six Scottish League Cups. Speaking to the club's official website, Forrest expressed his delight: "I'm absolutely delighted. I've been here my full career and I've loved every minute of it. We've been so successful in my time here and I'm delighted to have signed another year." He added, "While I'm still playing I can hopefully keep contributing and helping the team when I can."
Manager's Verdict: Earned, Not Given
Manager Brendan Rodgers was unequivocal in his justification for the extension. "I really want James to finish his career here at Celtic, and I just didn't want him to be going elsewhere," Rodgers said. "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." Rodgers highlighted Forrest's game-changing contributions from the bench, noting, "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." The manager also praised Forrest's technical ability: "He is what I love – I love players who take people on, and even to have that little burst of pace at his age is worth its weight in gold."
Infographic: James Forrest's Celtic Career at a Glance
- Age at Signing: 34
- Total Appearances: 564
- Total Goals: 110
- Major Honours: 26
- Seasons Scored In: 17 (every season)
- Manager's Key Quote: "He's deserved it."
Looking Ahead: Post-Split Fixtures
Forrest's extension comes as Celtic prepare for a crucial run of post-split fixtures. The Hoops face Falkirk on April 25, before a trip to Hibernian on May 3. The season culminates with a home clash against Rangers on May 10. These matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering Forrest a platform to further cement his legacy. For more on Celtic's season and squad updates, check out our Celtic team page and Scottish Premiership coverage.
Source: Sky Sports article 'Forrest agrees new one-year deal at Celtic'