Celtic star confirms stance on Brendan Rodgers reunion

Updated: 30 Jul 2026 11:20 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Celtic captain Callum McGregor has confirmed his desire to remain at the club this summer, despite rumoured interest from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Qadsiah, who are managed by ex-Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers.

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The former Scotland midfielder still has two years remaining on his current contract at Celtic Park and after making 57 appearances across all competitions last season, he looks set to remain at the club for at least the upcoming campaign.

In December, McGregor was heavily linked with a move to the Middle East, with Rodgers keen to lure him to Al Qadsiah following his departure from Glasgow, however a move failed to transpire during the winter transfer window and the midfielder has now reiterated his intention to stay at Celtic this summer.

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Callum McGregor

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Celtic

Callum McGregor

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Celtic

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“This is the football club that has been part of my whole life. It's where I want to be, it's where I want to play football,” the 33-year-old admitted during an interview with Sky Sports.

“I want to keep driving everything I possibly can to make sure this club is successful. The day that you do leave it, you want to leave it in a really good place.”

Callum McGregor confirms Celtic plan for 2026-27 season

After a slow start to last year, including a dreadful run of results under Wilfried Nancy, Celtic eventually won their fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title thanks to a final-day victory over Hearts, but McGregor wants an easier ride during the upcoming season.

“There were obviously a few circumstances that made it more challenging than perhaps it has been in the past few seasons," McGregor admitted when asked about last season.

“You have to make sure when you face those challenges, you can overcome them. The group of boys and the staff that pulled the team through a really difficult season - that's what you need to build. Good characters, people that are willing to go to the death for each other.

“This season hopefully we can do it in a bit more style, the way that we're used to. Work's been going on through pre-season to make sure that happens.”

McGregor added: “All the teams will strengthen over the summer, we're the same - a couple of good signings in the door, hopefully some more bodies in as well.

“We've signed two strikers, two really good players. It's good signs, positive steps and that is to add to what is a really good group already. We have the makings of a really good team.

“The standard for us is trying to get to Champions League football - that's where we want to be, it takes the club to a different level.”

So far this summer, Celtic have signed Qarabag forward Camilo Duran and Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh for a combined €18.4 million, while both Daizen Maeda and Kelechi Iheanacho have left the club.