Australia assistant coach Rene Meulensteen has admitted that he’s asked Tom Rogic about moving down to England in the past, but claims the Celtic playmaker has always been happy in Glasgow.
Rogic has been the subject of much speculation over the last week. The Daily Mail reported that he was being looked at with heavy interest from an unnamed club in Qatar.
The Mail also stated that Celtic were close to agreeing a fee in the region of £4m for Rogic’s services. Having not featured in any of the Hoops’ four matches this season, the playmaker is certainly on the fringes of things in Glasgow.
However, speaking to Australian outlet the World Game, Meulensteen said Rogic has always been happy in Glasgow whenever he’s been asked about a move to a more glamorous league.
“He’s been there a long time. He loves the club and has won a lot of trophies there. I’ve asked him previously whether he’d like to move to the Premier League but I think he’s always been content at Celtic.
“Don’t forget they’re a huge club and you can never under-estimate winning, it’s the greatest feeling. You can never get enough. But now, where he’s limited with his game time, he might see this as an opportunity to try something different.
“The standard of the league in Qatar has jumped in recent years, and they’ve invested heavily in local talent and not just foreigners. In terms of resources and environment it’s excellent, and I don’t think Tom’s game would suffer by going there.”
Some tinkering needs done before Rogic’s departure
A deal of £4m would surely suit all parties, but Celtic must do some tinkering on their squad first and foremost.
If Rogic did depart, we’re effectively allowing our second-choice number 10 go. Perhaps even our first-choice if he was ever fully fit.
Ryan Christie, meanwhile, can’t expect to be carrying the burden in that position all season. It could be the case that Mohamed Elyounoussi comes into a central area at times to help share the load, but then you lose your only left-winger.
There is the option of pushing Olivier Ntcham or Callum McGregor into the 10 role when Christie can’t feature. But both men seem to operate more efficiently when they’re deeper.
The natural option here would be to bring Elyounoussi into the centre and let him battle things out with Christie. Celtic, however, would need another left-winger in the door.
Yes, we have the option of Greg Taylor as a left wing-back when we go to a 3-5-2, but beating a man is hardly his strong point. He’s at his best making overlapping runs and firing crosses into the box.
There’s no denying Rogic’s time to depart is probably arriving. Celtic, however, need to make sure they’re stocked in every position before anyone leaves.
In other news, Trabzonspor manager Eddie Newton has opened the door for Celtic to sign Caleb Ekuban.
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