Celtic winger Forrest extends contract for another season in 2026

Celtic's record-breaking winger James Forrest has agreed to a new deal keeping him at the club through next season.

Contract extension details James Forrest has finalized a fresh agreement with Celtic, ensuring the club's most decorated player remains under contract until the conclusion of the upcoming campaign. The 34-year-old attacking player has accumulated 26 trophies during his tenure, including 13 league championships, while finding the net 110 times across 564 appearances. Forrest has scored in every one of his 17 seasons with the Glasgow side, maintaining his scoring record consistently since joining the first team. The new deal means he will continue his career at Celtic beyond the current term. ## Player reflections on his time Forrest expressed his deep connection to the club during an interview with the team's official platform, stating: 'I've been here my full career and I've loved every minute of it.' He reflected on the club's success during his tenure and his excitement about continuing at Celtic for another year. Forrest committed to giving his utmost effort for the club for as long as he remains part of the squad. He emphasized his desire to keep contributing whenever possible, aiming to add more memorable moments before his eventual departure. The winger acknowledged that his career would be defined by the great experiences he has had while hinting at wanting to create additional highlights. ## Season performance and impact Forrest has made 36 appearances in the current season, with 29 of those coming as a substitute. His influence was particularly notable in the recent Scottish Cup semi-final victory over St Mirren, where he played a key role coming off the bench. The winger's substitute appearances have repeatedly changed games in favor of Celtic, demonstrating his value in tight situations. His recent contributions have reinforced his reputation as a reliable impact player during crucial moments. Forrest's ability to make a difference late in matches has been a hallmark of his season. ## Manager praises veteran's impact Interim manager Martin O'Neill shared his thoughts on Forrest's extension, saying: 'I really want James to finish his career here.' He emphasized that Forrest deserved the extra year based purely on performance, not sentimentality. O'Neill highlighted Forrest's game-changing ability, especially his recent impact coming from the substitutes' bench in recent weeks. The manager praised the winger's willingness to take on opponents and his valuable bursts of pace even at his age. O'Neill recalled Forrest's development under Neil Lennon when he first joined the reserve team and his transformation into a vital club asset.