Neil Lennon sends a transfer message to sought-after Celtic star Rocco Vata

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When Celtic signed Nicolas Kuhn, one of the questions Celtic fans raised was what will this mean for the fringe players?

Surely, with Brendan Rodgers backing such a transfer and the attacking areas already stacked, then it means that the team is preparing for some departures.

One could come in the form of Celtic youngster Rocco Vata, who can play on the wings and inside, with Neil Lennon making it clear that he wants the 18-year-old to stay, as he told Viaplay (21/01/24 at 6:05 pm).

Celtic thrashed Buckie Thistle 5-0 in the Scottish Cup on Sunday at Parkhead, with Rocco Vata coming off the bench and scoring – Brendan Rodgers reacted to his cameo.

Neil Lennon highlighted the speculation surrounding the player and how there is talk of him leaving – he could secure a move to Italy.

The fact that Rocco Vata’s contract is going to expire in the summer, and there aren’t any signs yet that he will put pen-to-paper on a new deal, suggests that the writing is on the wall.

But the quality at his feet was highlighted by Neil Lennon and how he has a ‘big decision’ to make.

Rocco Vata’s future at Celtic

“It’s brilliant old-fashioned wing play (from Mikey Johnston),” said Lennon. “They are goals I loved myself as a manager.

“When you worked with good strikers. They always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. Brilliant play from Mikey and then Rocco is there to get his first goal.

“It’s brilliant for the young land. There has been a little bit of speculation about him maybe leaving. But I think it would be a big loss because I think he is a very talented boy.

“I hope so (Vata getting more chances). He has been rewarded against Buckie Thistle. Not only being in the squad, but getting some game time and a goal. It will be down to the player himself what his personal ambitions are. There aren’t many better clubs to come and get a chance to play under a great manager like Brendan.

“Maybe a big decision for him to make, but I really hope he stays for his own good.”

Brendan Rodgers decision

If the Celtic boss is happy for Vata to leave, then the fans should trust and back his call because he sees the player in training on a regular basis.

Even though Rodgers has so many options to pick from in the final third, he still felt the need to add quality to the flanks this month.

The true reality of whether he gets this right will be felt next season, rather than these coming weeks. 

But from Vata’s own perspective, Celtic as a platform, especially in the Champions League, and Rodgers as a manager, is perfect for him.