Celtic are reluctant to part ways with their young midfielder Michael Johnston this summer. According to recent reports, the Hoops are not willing to let the Scottish wide man leave on loan just yet in this summer transfer period. Some sources have recently claimed that a whole of clubs which includes St Mirren, Hibernian and Aberdeen are looking to recruit the talented winger in this post-season.
However, the Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers has still not taken a decision and is currently weighing up his options before making a call on the 19-year-old’s future. Johnston has put in some impressive displays during pre-season which has impressed the Celtic manager. In a recent interview, Rodgers was quoted to have said, “Mikey is a big talent,”
“There’s obviously interest from a number of clubs. You are in the situation where, can you give the talent game time he needs? Being around this squad will development, as opposed to getting games in his legs.
“He’s developing well but not at this point are we thinking of letting him out. You always have to be mindful there are a couple of injuries.
“But you don’t want to stop that growth and development.
“Some young players need to have a career outside a club to have a career in it. Others, like Kieran, and defenders, can go in and play. You are always trying to balance giving them games or letting them go out.
“It’s can’t always be a good loan, sometimes you need to have a bad loan as well. Some players have spells that don’t quite work out but good or bad can work for you.
“It’s about creating the pathway for the player. You saw Mikey at the weekend and his development, tactically he’s improving all the time.”
The Glaswegian team were able to pull off a domestic treble last season but had another poor showing in Europe which will be a cause for concern for the reigning champions of Scotland. Hence, Rodgers should look to secure some talented players this summer if his club are to challenge in the European competitions next term.
Retaining some of their best, young talents like Johnston could go a long way in helping Rodgers build for a bigger and brighter future at Celtic Park. However, if the Hoops manager decides to bring in a suitable replacement using the money generated from the potential sale of Johnston, then it might be a move worth considering.
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The Celtic prospect is also very versatile and primarily operates on the left flank but can also be deployed in the number 10 position which makes him a perfect fit for the Hoops. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Johnston and whether he ends up leaving Parkhead before the start of the new season.
