Brendan Rodgers has reportedly confirmed an agreement is in place for Lewis Morgan to finalise his Sunderland switch today.
According to the BBC, Rodgers has stated that “there’s been an agreement” regarding Morgan’s deal to the League One side.
A move for Morgan has been one of Rodgers’ priorities throughout the window. The Celtic boss has been discussing getting the former St Mirren starlet some game-time since the beginning of the month.
The likes of Aberdeen and Hibernian were also reportedly interested in keeping Morgan in Scotland. But, earlier this week, the Scotland international apparently made up his mind that his short-term future is at the Stadium of Light.
Speaking about the move, Rodgers told the BBC that “he’ll be on his way to get good experience” at Sunderland.
The move would of course see Morgan reunited with former manager Jack Ross. The pair were together during Ross’ tenure at St Mirren. It was he who helped develop Morgan into the player Celtic wanted to take just one year ago.
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An extremely wise move for Morgan
It appears to be the smartest decision Morgan could make on paper. As well as being reunited with the manager who brought him on so much, he’s also in a promotion race.
Sunderland’s target has to be promotion this season. Therefore, there will be plenty of expectation on Morgan to perform in League One. The Sunderland fans are likely to demand it, and he needs to get that winning mentality instilled into him week-in, week-out on the pitch.
It’s the kind of decision that should stand him in good stead upon his return in the summer.
Ryan Christie helped develop that same mentality when at Aberdeen. He played regularly during that spell, and came back to Parkhead massively developed on his old self.
The same can be done for Morgan down at the Stadium of Light. It’s one of the most inevitable deals of the day by the sound of it, and it’s going to be down to Morgan to show he can perform at that level and make an impression on the Hoops.