Celtic must resist any urge to re-sign Joe Ledley this summer, despite the midfielder’s latest comments on finding a new club.
Welsh international Ledley, who spent four years in Glasgow under Neil Lennon between 2010 and 2014, is now without an employer after his one month contract at Charlton Athletic expired.
While there is nothing concrete to suggest that Celtic are even considering offering him a return to the club, the recent signing of Fraser Forster does show that Lennon can favour a reunion.
Ledley would no doubt jump at the chance of a Celtic Park return given his latest comments about hoping to find a way back into the Wales setup for this summer’s European Championship.
“I’ll never rule it out and I’m sure the manager won’t either,” he told the BBC. “But it’s down to me now to find a club and play as many games as I can. My boy is two, he’s into his football and he wants to watch me play for my country and at a club as well.
“There are options, but for me I’d like to be closer to home. I’ve been away – only for a month – and family comes first for me now.
“Everyone’s moved back to Cardiff for the first time in nine or 10 years so closer to home would be perfect, but for me it’s coming up to the final year so I need to play as many games as I can.”
Ledley should not be considered for Celtic Park return
We aren’t exactly blessed for top options in midfield. Lennon has been very reliant on Scott Brown and Callum McGregor so far this season and an injury to either would really put the pressure on someone else to step-in and perform for the team.
Ledley would offer an assured hand, experienced in all things Celtic, but his recent playing record just highlights why he’s not cut out to play for a team chasing glory on three fronts between now and May.
The midfielder may only be 32 but his best days are long behind him. He played just 45 minutes of football in 2019 – starting his Charlton debut but not making the second-half and never being seen again.
He’s not a viable option this January. And mustn’t be considered under any circumstances.
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