Celtic fans apparently don’t need to worry about Callum McGregor leaving anytime soon after the recent speculation over his future.
Leicester City have again been linked with a move for Callum just like they were last year [The Sun]. As Celtic undergo a period of major transition at the football club, the temptation could be there for McGregor to head for the Premier League. Especially considering it’s largely seen as the end of an era for this Celtic side.
However, there is a major incentive for Callum to stay this summer. With Scott Brown leaving in the summer, the vice-captain has a superb opportunity to potentially be our new permanent captain. That, of course, will be in the hands of the new manager.
But Kennedy doesn’t think the Celtic faithful need to worry about McGregor potentially having eyes for elsewhere.
As quoted by the Herald, Kennedy said: “I don’t think there’s a danger of Callum hankering for the Premier League or becoming disenchanted at Celtic. Callum’s very committed to the club. He showed that when he sat down last time to sign his new contract.
“I know Callum well, I’ve had him from the youth team all the way through. Speaking to him, he’s a leader in his own right and the perfect character. That’s in terms of how he conducts himself every day, his professionalism and his performances in big moments.
“He’s very much committed to Celtic. This season has hurt Callum, as it has us all. But the club’s been a huge part of his life and he’s very driven to make it change again. He’s been a huge part of the success we’ve had and this season has hit him hard. He wants us to quickly hit our stride next season and put things right. Callum is committed fully to the club. I see Callum as the next captain and successor to Scott. If I’m asked my opinion on it, I’d say Callum.”
Celtic star McGregor bucking the trend
It feels as though everyone is for the off this summer. You have so many players into the final years of their contracts. In addition to that, we have four loan signings heading back to their clubs.
Too many of them have their eyes set elsewhere. Ready for the next challenge before their current one is even over. That’s been a major problem this season throughout our disastrous 10-in-a-row pursuit.
But McGregor certainly bucks the trend. He’s been fronting up to media duties all season and been happy to take the flak for all-round poor performances. He hasn’t been at his best this season, but he’s certainly shown plenty of leadership qualities.
It’s difficult to use this season to batter individual players. Not when everyone at the club has underperformed outside of David Turnbull and maybe Ismaila Soro. We’ve needed more from every single one of them. But just because we’re having a major clearout this summer doesn’t mean that everything must go. McGregor falls into the small bracket of players that will form the spine of next year’s side.
Of course, Callum’s situation is different from those whose contracts are up next summer. His contract runs until the summer of 2024 [Celtic website], meaning if anyone was to come in for him, Celtic would be entitled to demand top dollar.
Ideally, however, we reject all advances ahead of the new manager coming in. McGregor could become a key component of a side that wins the title again next season – just as he was when Brendan Rodgers took over back in 2016.
In other news, one Celtic star has reportedly recovered from a shoulder injury to be in contention today.
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