According to a recent report from the Sun, Leicester City will make a £25m approach for Celtic’s midfielder Callum McGregor in the summer. This is not the first time that McGregor has been linked with the Foxes, as even last summer, reports had emerged that Brendan Rodgers was keen on him.
Rodgers clearly seems to like the player having worked with him before. The report states that Rodgers is prepared to lose James Maddison in the future but irrespective of what happens with Maddison, Rodgers remains keen on McGregor.
How McGregor has been a crucial player for Celtic?
McGregor’s ability to play progressive football and find the right pass in th final third stands out. He is also capable of going on a mazy run and can be utilised on the flanks as well. He is always willing to put in a shift and has a good mixture of skills and endurance. £25m seems to be a sizeable offer, and if a bid like that comes in, then we believe that Celtic will consider it.
An approach like this was always expected, and in November last year, McGregor signed a new contract with the Hoops. The Scotsman has been instrumental in a box to box role for the Bhoys, and he has already played 46 games this season in all competitions. Last campaign, the 26-year-old played 59 games, and that is a testament to his importance in Celtic’s first team and his fitness.
McGregor has been instrumental again as he has scored 11 goals and created ten assists in all competitions. The midfielder has his contract at the club until 2024, but Leicester will probably have the financial muscle to lure him if that is what they want. The Foxes are also in an excellent position to make the Champions League, and that is another consideration which will go in their favour.
What does Lennon need to do?
Quite a few players are likely to attract interest from south of the border given Celtic’s domination in domestic football. Olivier Ntcham has also been linked with a move away. With McGregor also now attracting interest, we believe that Lennon cannot allow both of his central midfielders to leave in the same transfer window.
Scott Brown is 34, and he isn’t going to be around for long. Hence, Lennon must keep his core of the team to make sure that they reach the coveted 10 in a row.
However, they cannot allow both Ntcham and McGregor to leave in the same window. Ntcham has given interviews in the past where he has indicated (Daily Record) that he would want to leave Celtic so we guess that the Frenchman might be allowed to move in the summer. If that happens, then the Hoops must keep hold of McGregor for atleast another season.
