Brendan Rodgers discusses Celtic-linked Sidnei Tavares; provides ominous update

By David Walton

March 14, 2021

Brendan Rodgers is “pretty sure” that Leicester will come to an agreement to secure the future of Celtic-linked Sidnei Tavares.

The Portuguese youngster is out of contract in the summer. He’s been linked with a host of big clubs after signing his first pro contract with the Foxes back in 2019.

Tavares, reportedly being looked at by Celtic as recently as January, has been linked with the likes of Barcelona, Juventus, Porto, and Bayern Munich respectively [Scottish Sun].

Rodgers has looked to show faith in the young midfielder in recent weeks too. As he looks to tempt him to stay at the King Power Stadium, he’s been given three senior outings over the last three weeks [Transfermarkt]. And as he provided an update on his future during his pre-match presser for today’s visit of Sheffield United, Rodgers seemed confident Tavares would commit his future to the Premier League club.

As quoted by Leicester Mercury, Rodgers said: “It’s up at the end of the season. The club have been in discussions with his representatives. He’s a very talented young player. He fits the profile and has good potential. There is a lot for him to do.

“I’m pretty sure that will get resolved. I’ll continue to coach him until the end of the season or beyond. We provide an environment for young players. It’s about three fundamental principles. Can we win titles? Can we play attacking football? And can we do it with players from our academy?

“I would hope they see it as a great place to be. We are looking to be competitive. Hopefully him and his family can see that.”

Have to wonder why Brendan Rodgers hasn’t been able to sign up Sidnei Tavares yet

Rodgers does appear confident. Therefore, that’s ominous for any of his potential suitors. The former Celtic manager is clearly getting that optimism from somewhere. He’ll be in constant contact with the player too.

However, question marks must be asked. If Tavares was so keen to commit his future to Leicester, why hasn’t he done it already? Surely if he was keen to get things wrapped up then it would’ve been long done by now.

Make no mistake, Rodgers won’t have wanted this. Clubs don’t want their top young talents heading into the final few months of their contracts. Tavares, as things stand, could sign for a new club tomorrow.

Brendan Rodgers and Sidnei Tavares (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

Whilst the Sun reports that Barcelona have a gentleman’s agreement in place to be his first-choice destination should he decide not to stay in England, Tavares needs games. Given he’ll be 20 next season, the time will be now to start getting senior minutes.

The last thing the player will want is to go to a bigger club before all of a sudden he’s 22 or 23 and hasn’t had much first-team experience. That won’t do him any good.

Even so, the midfield ranks are fierce at Parkhead. If Celtic decided to make their move, the likes of Ismaila Soro, Liam Shaw, Scott Robertson, Kerr McInroy, and Luca Connell will all be looking to battle him for senior minutes. Hopefully, this is a scenario that will be dealt with sooner rather than later. It would still take a brave person to bet against him staying with the Foxes.

In other news, watch as Bayo scored his sixth goal in 12 games for Toulouse.