Rodgers wanted to send Benkovic to Celtic in 2019; now’s his chance

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So Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester centre-back Filip Benkovic is back available again, with Celtic as always a potential future destination for him.

Indeed, eyebrows will be raised at the fact the Croatian’s loan spell with Cardiff has been cut short. Benkovic only managed to play one solitary game for the Championship side. A short injury set him back initially, but for the most part, Benkovic has simply been rooted to the bench.

Now he’s back with Leicester, and at a time when Celtic are in the market for a new defender (Scottish Sun). By all accounts, we’ve missed out on Mark McKenzie, who looks set for Genk (Philadelphia Inquirer). We’re also reportedly in competition with a host of decent names for Preston’s Ben Davies (Sky Sports). Benkovic, however, could be an alternative solution.

And this is something Leicester will likely be open to if we want it. Certainly based on Rodgers’ comments on the centre-back a year ago. When he was first looking for somewhere to send Benkovic on loan to for the second half of last season, Rodgers made it clear who he wanted him to sign for.

Speaking back in 2019 and as quoted by the Daily Record, Rodgers said: “Filip’s situation is one I’ll look at.

“But there’s no doubt that if I want him to go out on loan again, I’d want him to go to Celtic. Of course, I’ll have a conversation with the player – I think he’s a big talent.”

Rodgers will likely want Benkovic at Celtic again

It’s been reported that Leicester are keen to loan him out again (The National). No surprises there either. It’s essential a player of his talent gets himself regular minutes and doesn’t stagnate on the bench.

However, there’s a key concern here for Celtic. During his first spell at Parkhead, when Rodgers actually signed him from Leicester on loan – he was far too injury prone. Benkovic struggled to really get a run of games under his belt. Yes he left with 27 games under his belt, but there were 51 opportunities for him to play (Transfermarkt).

So fans will have their doubts if Celtic were to make a move here. The reason we need a centre-back is because Chris Jullien is injured too. Would we really want to replace one injured defender with a player who’s likely to suffer the same?

Celtic have to be smart regarding who they bring in. Of course, Benkovic hasn’t been injured for several months. Even so, he’ll be lacking in match-sharpness. And any player Celtic sign to be their new centre-back must be ready to hit the ground running.

There will be severe doubts that Benkovic is indeed that man. Even if he showed tremendous power, technique, and composure during his year-long loan deal at Parkhead in the 2018-19 season.

We’ll see what happens here, but don’t be too surprised if Neil Lennon takes a closer look at this one. This is a move that’s already previously been given the seal of approval from Rodgers.

In other news, 67HH writer Euan Davidson discusses the difference in treatment between Celtic and Rangers fans.