There is no doubt that Callum McGregor is Celtic’s most important and influential player.
Losing the Celtic skipper during a period when the club needs a serious rebuild would be a proper kick in the teeth.
At the end of last season, McGregor sent a passionate plea to the Celtic board, stating, ‘I want to be at Celtic. So, as long as the club want me here and as long as the club’s ambition matches my own.’
You have to question whether the powers that be are showing signs that the ambition will be there, as the Celtic players are back for pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership season.
Should Celtic fans be worried about O’Neill’s transfer comments?
Celtic will risk losing Callum McGregor if they don’t change their ways
The manner in which Celtic went about bringing Martin O’Neill and his backroom staff back this summer is rather worrying.
On top of that, the club are yet to appoint a new Head of Football Operations, and who is the chairman for the long-term?
Then there is the playing squad. A clearout is needed, and many players need to come in.
Yet, Celtic are struggling to re-sign Marcelo Saracchi, despite the left-back being on loan at Parkhead during the recent campaign.
All the signs suggest it’s going to be the same old, same old from the powers that be at Parkhead. And if history repeats itself, then McGregor will be out of the door before you know it.
Remember, those Saudi rumours won’t go away, and at the age of 33, it’s money many would be tempted to accept.
McGregor’s importance to Celtic
Yes, there were periods last season where McGregor just wasn’t at it. He wasn’t himself, and he couldn’t control matches like he used to.
But he still guided Celtic to a domestic double.
On top of that, don’t underestimate his influence behind the scenes.
When Celtic beat Hearts on the final day to win the Premiership title, Kieran Tierney told the world just how important the man with the armband is: “Our captain is absolutely brilliant. What he does for us behind the scenes that nobody sees is unbelievable. He has kept this changing room together.”
There is nobody in the Celtic dressing room who can match that level of influence right now.
So, for McGregor to stay on board, and be satisfied with where the champions of Scotland are going, the club need to push the boat out during the summer transfer window and prove they mean serious business ahead of those crucial Champions League qualifiers.
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