According to The Daily Record, Celtic youngster Rocco Vata is expected to join Watford as a free agent. But the Bhoys hope to restore parity by securing the services of Costa Rican sensation Andy Rojas, The Scottish Sun understands.
Vata, 19, has been a regular for the Hoops’ reserves since penning his first professional contract in the summer of 2021. Despite making six senior appearances over the past two campaigns, the Republic of Ireland youth international decided not to extend his Parkhead contract in favour of a new opportunity elsewhere. There has been interest from Italy and the English championship sides, however, the Hornets have reportedly won the race for the versatile forward. They should pay a fee of around £237,000 to Celtic as training compensation.
Meanwhile, the Celts are now linked with an exciting young talent who is making strides both for his club and the country. Rojas has already appeared twice for Costa Rica, including a substitute appearance against Colombia at the Copa America.
The 18-year-old attacker progressed through Herediano’s academy ranks before breaking into their senior squad in September 2022. He enjoyed a breakthrough 2023-24 season with 10 goals and 3 assists in 50 appearances across competitions (stats via Transfermarket). Rojas scored on his senior international debut against Saint Kitts and Nevis in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, also, the recent involvement versus Los Cafeteros made him the youngest-ever Los Ticos player to represent his nation in this oldest still-running continental football competition.
But the Hoops are not alone in the race with clubs from Italy and Holland also keeping close tabs on the teenage prospect. He would cost £800,000 as per Football Scotland and the Bhoys must snap him up to pursue their plan of action under Brendan Rodgers.
Why Celtic Must Tie Down The Teenager
The Northern Irishman has always preferred a blend of youth and experience, but he mostly worked in an environment set up by Ange Postecoglou following the Aussie chief’s egress for the Tottenham job. Moreover, project signings like Marco Tilio, Yang Hyun-jun, Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Odin Thiago Holm failed to impress last season, and the gaffer, therefore, must bring in players who would fit in his philosophy in the long run.
Rojas is flexible enough to feature across the frontline. He could be deployed as a sporadic option behind Kyogo Furuashi, Daizen Maeda, Luis Palma and James Forrest, but the Scottish heavyweights must act quickly to fend off interest from fellow suitors.
