Celtic captain Callum McGregor has been urged by three club legends to reject a potential move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, where former manager Brendan Rodgers is plotting a title challenge. Rodgers, who left Celtic in 2019, now manages Al-Qadsiah and is reportedly keen to reunite with the 32-year-old midfielder.
Rodgers' Saudi Ambitions
Speaking at Al-Qadsiah's pre-season training camp in Girona, Rodgers outlined his plans to compete for silverware after the club finished fourth last season. "We have established a very good base over the last six months. Now we come here to prepare the team to take the next step. Obviously, next year we have four opportunities to win a cup, and we would very much like to be able to achieve that," Rodgers said. He added that he would "reintroduce our style of play and our way of working" with new and returning players.
McGregor's Contract Situation
McGregor has two years remaining on his contract with Celtic. Reports suggest the club will fight to keep him if a lucrative offer arrives. The midfielder recently changed agents to Unique Sports Group, the same agency that represents Rodgers, fueling speculation about a move. However, McGregor has attempted to cool the rumors in recent months.
Legends Weigh In
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown urged McGregor to stay: "I think you need to keep Callum McGregor in that team. Keep Callum no matter what. Because Callum knows the club, knows what it's all about. He's won so many trophies over the years and he's missed the reliable. And I think that's a big thing."
Johan Mjallby, another Celtic legend, stressed McGregor's importance: "It's not by accident that Celtic have won five-in-a-row. They are good champions, win trophies on a regular basis. Callum McGregor is a brilliant captain and leads by example. Kieran Tierney is also a top player and a leader. You add in James Forrest and you have a hard core of guys who know what it's about and know when to deliver and how to deliver."
Paul Lambert, while acknowledging no player is irreplaceable, warned of a lack of a ready successor: "Nobody's irreplaceable. There's no natural successor to Callum at the club. There needs to be a long-term plan, unless they have somebody coming through the academy."
Previous Interest
Rodgers previously attempted to sign McGregor for Leicester City in 2019. Now backed by the financial muscle of the Saudi Pro League, he is reportedly pushing Al-Qadsiah to make an ambitious bid for the midfielder.
