According to reports, Scottish giants Celtic are now closely linked with Liverpool’s young winger Ryan Kent as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen his bench before a season, which is expected to see the world of expectations on the manager. The 20-year-old English forward has been seemingly impressive with Championship side Barnsley FC last term and numerous clubs are vying for him.
Celtic had an unbeaten season in the Scottish Premiership last term that saw the Hoops topping the table with a whopping 106 points in 38 games. Rodgers’ men were miles ahead of their immediate competitors as there was a 30 points gap between them and second-placed Aberdeen.
Celtic have scored 106 goals last season and the likes of Scott Sinclair, Moussa Dembele, Leigh Griffiths and Stuart Armstrong have played a significant role in it. However, there is a downside to everything and Rodgers is in extreme danger of losing his star forward line-up this summer itself.
The French hitman, for starters, remains one of the top priority targets for numerous top European clubs and Rodgers is completely helpless in stopping him. And if this wasn’t bad enough, Griffith’s World Cup qualifiers heroics have also made him a top target in the summer market.
Given the challenge of posing with a stronger intent in the Champions League next term, Rodgers is under extreme pressure to have a squad capable of competing at the highest level. And Celtic’s not so strong financial condition makes it all the more difficult for the former Liverpool manager, who will now mostly have to deal with unknown prospects and get starlets from top clubs on loan.
Kent could be an interesting addition though, given that Rodgers previously knows him from his time at Anfield. The Reds academy product had an impressive season for the Tykes, where has was a regular for the second-tier club scoring three goals and three assists. He was an essential part of the squad and Leeds United have even made an enquiry for the player for a £2.5 million move.
However, Celtic’s involvement pretty much spoils it for the Whites now as the Hoops could provide him with the cherished Champions League. The Oldham-born player earned his England Under 20 debut back in September 2015 but is yet to break into the next level.
A left winger by nature, the player can also play on the right flank as well as through the centre and Celtic’s brilliant nurturing of Manchester City’s Patrick Roberts last season could be an encouraging factor for him to consider.
