Despite grabbing a historic treble ‘treble’ over the past three campaigns, Celtic are struggling to keep hold of their key individuals amid interest from European heavyweights. The Hoops are sweating over the future of Kieran Tierney amid strong interest from Arsenal while versatile Callum McGregor is being linked to a reunion with ex-boss Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City.
While Tierney is expected to leave Parkhead for the right price, Peter Lawwell has taken a strong stance to retain McGregor beyond this summer. They won’t entertain any bid for the 26-year-old, and according to MailSport (as cited by the Daily Record), an approach for the Scotsman would be a complete waste of time for his potential suitors.
The midfielder progressed through the youth ranks of his boyhood club and eventually became an integral part of the senior side. A season-long loan to Notts County early in his career helped him to stake a claim for first-team football, and the player went on to make 227 appearances so far for the Hoops across all competitions.
Although he has been regular for years, McGregor enjoyed the most productive spell under Rodgers who utilised him in various roles. The Scotland international did not disappoint at all as he not only made his mark in the middle of the park but also down the wide areas as well as in a makeshift fullback role.
The Northern Irishman roped in Joe Allen from his former club Swansea City after being appointed as the new Liverpool boss replacing the iconic Kenny Dalglish. The trend continued at Celtic too when he convinced Kolo Toure to join him at Parkhead upon being released by the Reds.
However, the Bhoys are adamant about keeping hold of McGregor and refraining Rodgers’ from raiding them prior to the upcoming campaign. This must be a massive blow for the Foxes in their battle to claim a place in Europe but depicts the statement of intent from the champions of Scotland.
The growing uncertainty over the future of Olivier Ntcham led to the Hoops bolstering their midfield by tying down teenage sensation David Turnbull from Motherwell. Skipper Scott Brown, in his mid-thirties, is at the twilight of his career and the presence of McGregor is of the utmost importance right now for his experience as well as excellence all over the pitch.
This is definitely a statement of intent from Peter Lawwell as Celtic could have easily cashed in on the player and tried getting a replacement on the cheap. However, given the circumstances where so many players are poised to leave, this was the correct decision.
