Ryan Christie leaves Celtic to join Championship side Bournemouth

Ryan Christie has signed a deal to join Bournemouth and leave Celtic after six years with the Glasgow club.

The attacker is currently on Scotland duty ahead of the World Cup qualifiers but has signed a three-year contract with Scott Parker’s side.

The sides agreed an undisclosed fee for the player, who had less than six months left on his Celtic contract.

Christie joined Celtic from Inverness in 2015 but was loaned back to the Highland club and then spend a season at Aberdeen before establishing himself in Glasgow.

He went on to become a key part of a hugely successful side, winning back-to-back trebles and going on to become a regular for his country.

Celtic had discussions about extending the player’s stay but he has decided to make the move to England, where he will look to help his new side return to the Premier League.

AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said the signing was “a coup” for the club.

“We are delighted to have secured the services of Ryan,” he said.

“He was being courted by a number of Premier League clubs, so it is a huge coup to have signed him.

“We think it speaks volumes about him as a player and us as a club that he chose to come here and work under Scott Parker and his staff.

“Ryan enjoyed a hugely successful stay at Celtic and was instrumental in them winning a host of trophies.

“His outstanding form at club level saw him gain international recognition with Scotland. He has already achieved a great deal in his career and is determined to achieve more.”