One of Celtic’s key figures could choose to leave the club in the summer, with former scout Mick Brown of the belief that he is “not entirely happy”.
Hoops’ summer transfer plans taking shape
It has been another dominant season in the Scottish Premiership for the Hoops, who are on course to win the title for the fourth season on the spin, currently sitting 13 points clear of Rangers at the top of the table.
However, the reigning Scottish champions will be eager to maintain their grip on the title, which means some additional reinforcements may be needed this summer, and signing a new midfielder is deemed to be a priority.
Brendan Rodgers has identified FC Augsburg’s Elvis Rexhbecaj as a potential successor to Callum McGregor in the middle of the park, while there is also interest in Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, who has struggled for game time under Arne Slot.
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There may also be some departures in the summer window, with Greg Taylor now set to leave, while the Scottish side are also at risk of losing Daizen Maeda, who has been one of their star performers this season.
Losing Maeda could be a real blow for Celtic, and Mick Brown believes another key figure could seek to leave this summer, namely Rodgers, with the former scout indicating the Northern Irishman could be keen on a return to England.
“If Rodgers was offered a Premier League job, he would take it. He’d be interested in coming back to England and I think he’s not entirely happy at Celtic.
“At the moment, Celtic are dominant in Scotland, there’s nobody challenging them.
“But Rodgers wants more than that – he’s thinking about European football. Being dominant in Scotland is fine, but if they could strengthen enough to be competitive in Europe, then he would be happy to stay.
“Outstanding” Rodgers must stay at Parkhead
Of course, the 52-year-old has chosen to leave Celtic in the past, infamously moving to Leicester City, so it is not out of the question that he decides to move on again, with his contract set to expire in the summer.
However, the board should do everything they can to keep hold of the “outstanding” manager, as hailed by Ange Postecoglou, given that he is on course to win yet another treble this season.
Back in February, the Hoops boss confirmed he was “very happy” at Parkhead, but his contract situation will understandably raise concerns.
That said, Brown seems to suggest Rodgers could be tempted to stay if Celtic are willing to strengthen considerably in the summer, in order to make them more competitive in Europe, so that should be the aim when the season comes to a close.
