Celtic have dominated Scottish football for two decades now, but one area that has probably been underused is the club’s academy.
There have been several instances when players from Celtic’s academy opt against staying in Glasgow, and instead, move down south and secure a more financially lucrative deal.
One of those examples is former winger Rocco Vata, who, in 2024, headed for the exit door and signed a four-year deal with English Championship side Watford.
You can’t blame youngsters for making such financially rewarding moves, but can Celtic help themselves by offering their rising stars more chances in the first team?
Do Celtic need to offer more first-team chances to their academy players?
European clubs ‘showing interest’ in former Celtic player Rocco Vata
When it comes to transfer news and speculation, the man in the know is Fabrizio Romano, and he shared that Vata is attracting interest from European clubs.
Posting on social media, Romano explained that the 2005-born talent has signed up with StormSportsX as his representatives.
‘Watford’s 2005-born talent Rocco Vata can be on the move in 2026, with European clubs already showing interest,’ wrote Romano.
‘Vata has signed with StormSportsX as representatives.’
How has Vata fared at Watford following his Celtic exit?
Vata is starting to grow at Watford, as the 20-year-old was rewarded for his domestic performances by earning his maiden international call-up with the Republic of Ireland in 2025.
A hamstring injury has sidelined the Glasgow-born player in recent weeks, but with four goal involvements to his name from ten Championship games, including Man of the Match performances against Portsmouth and West Brom.
You can see why there is interest in Vata’s services. This is how his record at Watford has looked since moving to Vicarage Road.
- Games: 47
- Starts: 22
- Goals: 6
- Assists: 6
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