According to West London Sport, QPR defender Steven Caulker is edging closer to a deal with Celtic.
The London club wants the player off their books and has waived any transfer fee if the player wishes to move on.
This has put Celtic in the driving seat for the troubled defender who has admitted he’s struggled with the fame and expectation so far in his career.
Rodgers could see the defender as someone he can help mould, much like he did with players last term.
Caulker is an excellent defender and when his head is in the game could be a top asset to any club.
The 25-year-old has spoken out about his mental health issues and has been applauded for doing so by the wider football community for doing so.
Rodgers admitted he’s had a chat with Steven but only to speak to him about the issues he’s facing.
Could Celtic and Caulker be a match?
‘When his head is in the game’, how often has that been over the past 3-4 seasons. He picked up 30 grand a week at QPR last season for 13 games. Can only comment on what has been said about his performances in these games and the comments are nor complimentary. Is Glasgow the best place for a player struggling with an alcohol addiction? Also he has talked , bravely, about struggling with the pressure of fame. Is coming up to live in Glasgow and play for Celtic, living in a city where every body is going to know who he is and feel they have the right to approach him and comment about him going to help his recovery. A guy who has had various arrests for fighting. I wish him all the best for his recovery and his future career but I don’t think Celtic should pay him 20 grand a week to get him on his feet. The club cannot afford that. Huge, huge risk. I would start to play Ajer. He is nearly 20 that is old enough. And if you are good enough …
100% right what you say there .. if he could get back to what he was he would Defo be a asset to us but your correct again .. Glasgow isn’t the place to be trying to do that.. too much pressure and temptation for a player who’s head isn’t 100 percent right
Huge risk? Free transfer pal, if the boy can realise his talent then we’ve a player on our hands. He’s only 25 and we’ve had players who’ve had their demons before and flourished. IBWT ???
If Brendan thinks he’s worth taking a chance on then I’m fully behind it.
I don’t think it’s for any of us to comment on the guys mental health issues and whether glasgow and / or Celtic is the right tonic for his recovery – because none of us have a clue what is really going on, what demons the person is battling, what makes him tick, where his comfort zone is, where he finds his solace or any of those things.
Brendan Rodgers doesn’t either, but he does know the lad and the lad knows him.
If the lad chooses Brendan as a father figure / role model he wants tutelage from – and if Brendan chooses to accept that position, then who are any of us to question from the outside ?
In Brendan we trust, implicitly
His troubles are exactly the same as the one’s I went through in my own life and unless u deal with them head on they’ll follow u no matter what city you are in. If brendan thinks he can get best out of him then a father figure who you know and respect can work wonders for you, as well this could be the 2nd chance he needs. Worth the risk cos caulker of 2 half/3 years ago will be some player for us.
I’m not remotely qualified to discuss Steven Caulker’s personal issues..so it comes down to trust.
If BR thinks that the guy is worth taking on board…then we have to trust his judgement.
And if at the end of it…we get a really good player…and he gets his life back…
that’ll do for me.
Onwards and upwards Celtic.
If Brendan Rodgers and Celtic think they can give the player a break and provide the backup and support he would need at least initially, then who is anyone to doubt that. He obviously trusts BR implicitly and if anyone can provide the support and instil and build his confidence that is BR and his staff. If he signs up let’s give the guy all the support and backing that only Celtic fans can provide.
50 million pound defender in the making, on a free !!! its a no brainer. HH Brendan
All the best Steven ,if you sign ,you will be aided by the best in the business ,
Sign him now top class player ….. In Brendan we trust ?
Half the Scottish population have drink and mental issues ! This guy can play he would be a great addition to Celtic cause and for our push for 10 in a row everyone deserves a second chance an big caulker would destroy everyone up here sign on the dotted line …………?
Good player if. u are going to get a player off his class for nothing then snap him up good for Celtic win win
Listen this is a top top player on his game. Glasgow ain’t half as bad as London for temptation! And the fact he’s reached out to brenden and admitted his issues obviously the boy wants to get better so I think it’s a big mistake if wee don’t sign him! Look at the wages some other non Celtic class players were picking up over last few seasons!
Brendan isn’t stupid, he’ll know the risks and rewards, so if Brendan thinks its worth it and helping the lad at the same time its a win/win situation.?
Albhoy1 This guy deserves a break Brendan will take good care of him he’s a top notch player
We all have demons, ‘no man is an island’ . With the right support and faith someone wishing to change can find themselves again. No bigger test than a Champs league campaign. Go for it.
The past does not predict the future and no one knows the future. At age 25 he has another possible decade to reach his potential. I trust Brendan Rodgers and hope that if he signs Steven then we will give him all the support and best wishes due to a player who dons the hoops.