St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari has confirmed star striker Benji Kimpioka isn’t interested entering into contract talks with the club at the moment.
Kimpioka signed for St Johnstone from AIK last January and has proven to be an important asset at McDiarmid Park.
The 24-year-old made a slow start to life in Perth but has started the current campaign in fine fashion. Kimpioka has scored 11 goals in all competitions including six in 15 league appearances for St Johnstone.
He signed an 18-month contract upon his arrival and that deal is set to expire at the end of the season. But there is no sign of the Swede showing a desire to extend his stay.
Valakari has told the press that after a direct conversation with Kimpioka about his future, the St Johnstone star admitted he has ‘no plans’ regarding potential contract talks.
No Kimpioka St Johnstone contract talks
Valakari also expects transfer offers for Kimpioka, as the manager said: “I have spoken to Benji and Benji said: ‘No plans, we just play and train’. I don’t know at the moment – that’s the situation. This is normal in football. It’s part of the business.
“I know there will be some offers, some interest in a couple of our players during January. That is totally normal. Then it’s up to the club to decide what to do.
“We will make a decision that’s best for the club as much as possible because they are our players until the end of the season.
“It wouldn’t be the first time that some player will run out his contract and then moves. But while everyone is here, they will give 100% for the team. If not, then they will not be here.”
Kimpioka can’t down St Johnstone tools
Valakari continued: “Benji knows football has a short memory. If he’s not performing now then it puts his value down.
“People will start thinking: ‘Oh, what’s happening? Why is he not playing as well as we expected?’
“Benji knows he needs to perform. He needs to play well. Me, as a manager, I need to handle this situation as well as possible.
“The player still needs to play as well as possible – otherwise you don’t get where you want to go.”