Brendan Rodgers risks Celtic ire by attempting to swoop for best player

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 Dec 2025 06:35 CST
• 3 min read

Nieuws

Brendan Rodgers is in the process of taking a form of revenge on Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond following comments made about the Hoops’ former boss when he left the club.

Rodgers departed the Glasgow giants under a cloud following a defeat to Hearts in the Premiership, leaving the Hoops eight points off the pace of the league leaders.

He had previously hit out at the board for failing to strengthen his squad in time for the Champions League campaign, prompting Desmond to launch a stunning attack on him when he left in October.

Celtic’s owner said in an official statement: “What has failed recently was not due to our structure or model, but to one individual’s desire for self-preservation at the expense of others.

“Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving. They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the Board.”

Rodgers targets Celtic captain McGregor

Rodgers has yet to publicly respond to these comments, but now in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah could allow his actions to speak louder than words.

The Northern Irishman would “love” to sign Callum McGregor from the Hoops, according to a report from The Sun.

Celtic are likely to be resistant to losing the 32-year-old, who has spent the duration of his career at Parkhead. Rodgers’ bid will “spark fury” in the East End of Glasgow, with the Hoops prepared to fight hard to keep their captain.

The task of retaining McGregor, though, promises to be difficult. Al-Qadsiah have prepared what is described as a “huge financial package” to prise the midfielder away from Celtic Park, where he is under contract until 2028.

While the Hoops’ ongoing struggles under Wilfried Nancy might be seen as a factor that could push the former Scotland international away from Celtic, The Sun reports that the crisis has only made the club more determined to retain a player who serves as their figurehead.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•App Store