Callum McGregor’s decision to change agents set alarm bells ringing among Celtic supporters who feared that the captain could be preparing to leave this summer.
Reports had already suggested that McGregor could join Brendan Rodgers in Saudi Arabia and secure one final lucrative contract with his former manager.
That reunion now appears to be off the table, as we explain why a move from Celtic to Rodgers’ Al-Qadsiah is not expected to happen.
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Brendan Rodgers has no room to sign Callum McGregor from Celtic
There is little doubt that Rodgers remains a huge admirer of the Celtic captain. However, Al-Qadsiah’s current foreign-player situation stands in the way of another reunion.
Saudi Pro League clubs can register ten overseas players, with eight senior foreign slots and two reserved for younger players. Al-Qadsiah’s available places are already full, leaving no room for McGregor as things stand.
That explains why Rodgers is not expected to pursue the midfielder this summer. Unless Al-Qadsiah make room by moving another overseas player on, the move for McGregor cannot happen.
Callum McGregor has already hinted at his Celtic plans
The update only rules out a move to Rodgers’ club. Other teams in the Middle East could still comfortably offer McGregor a lucrative deal should he decide that the time is right to leave Celtic.
However, McGregor recently indicated that he remains invested in what Martin O’Neill and his returning staff are attempting to build at Parkhead.
McGregor said of O’Neill, Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham’s Celtic return: “All amazing guys who gave absolutely everything for the club and the cause last season.
“Especially second time round, it would have been easy to stay away, and they took that challenge.
“That tells you the type of people they are: they like a challenge, they face it head on.
“So to see them back in the dugout and everybody back together gives that nice feeling that we can move forward and build something special.”
McGregor did not explicitly confirm that he will stay at Celtic, but those are not the words of a captain who has checked out.
The Rodgers route is closed for now, and everything McGregor has said publicly suggests that his immediate focus remains on Celtic.
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