Just a few days back reports came out that Leicester City defender Wes Morgan has extended his stay with the Foxes for another year. News like that might have brought a little bit of hope among Celtic fans and the board as they might have thought that they could manage to sneak another loan deal for Leicester City defender Filip Benkovic. With other options like Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans also available, maybe there was a remote possibility of the Croatian staying for another loan spell at Celtic.
However, latest reports from the Express suggests that there is no chance of Celtic retaining the services of the defender as Rodgers rates him very highly. The defender was wanted by Celtic when Rodgers was the boss, but now the tables have turned. It is likely that the Northern Irish manager is going to keep hold of the talented centre back.
Rodgers recently commented on Benkovic and said, ”The whole plan for him was to get him game time. He has done very well. All the loan players will look to come back and then we will decide where we will go from there.”
It is likely that Morgan is going to be an understudy in the next season and having an experienced head like him in the dressing room is going to be helpful for the young players. So one can understand why his contract was extended.
Celtic meanwhile need to find able replacements for their two outgoing centre-halves as it now more or less confirmed that Boyata and Benkovic won’t stay at the club beyond this season.
Given his abilities, the Croatian was always a favourite to return to his parent club. After just a few games in the Scottish Premiership, it seemed clear that he could become a big player for Leicester City in the next few years. The 21-year-old is a perfect modern-day centre half as he has that physical and defensive side to his game. However, more importantly, the defender can play with the ball at his feet. Benkovic seems to have every tool in his repertoire as a defender, and he is going to be a big miss for the Hoops.
The Bhoys though would be glad that he has recovered in time before the big game against Rangers. Celtic were beaten when the two teams squared off in December last year, and Lennon’s men would be up for revenge. For Celtic fans, its time for them to enjoy Benkovic’s last few games as it is more or less certain that his future lies away from Parkhead in the upcoming season.
