Celtic Send Clear Callum McGregor Message Amid Exit Speculation

By
Michael Shearer
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Celtic captain Callum McGregor
13h May 2026; Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Motherwell versus Celtic; Callum McGregor of Celtic roars to the fans

Celtic have placed Callum McGregor firmly at the centre of their latest media coverage as questions continue to be asked about the captain’s future.

McGregor sat down with CelticPlayer during the club’s Portugal training camp before featuring prominently in the launch of the new away kit.

The club also shared an image of the midfielder wearing the strip alongside the message: “Captain Cal in the new kit.”


Neither the interview nor the social media post directly addressed the recent transfer speculation.

However, Celtic’s decision to put McGregor front and centre sends a clear message that he remains a major part of the club’s plans ahead of the new season.

Questions over the 33-year-old’s future have grown since his recent change of representation.

McGregor has joined Unique Sports Group, the same agency that represents former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

The pair do not have the same individual agent, but the link attracted attention after McGregor was pictured alongside Unique representative James Hussey and Rodgers’ son Anton.

Hussey works within the agency’s Middle East and North Africa operation, while Anton also has links to Unique Sports Group and was involved in his father’s move to Al-Qadsiah.

That photograph added another layer to the talk surrounding McGregor and a possible move to Saudi Arabia.

There is still no public evidence that Celtic have received a formal offer or that the captain is preparing to leave.

His latest interview also showed a player fully involved in the work being carried out under Martin O’Neill.

Speaking to CelticPlayer, McGregor said: “There have obviously been a lot of double sessions, and it’s just about getting the work into the legs and starting to prepare how the team wants to function and how we want to do things.”

The captain also spoke about the standards expected inside the squad and his responsibility as one of Celtic’s senior players.

He added: “I think that’s the job of the senior players, and a lot of the time that’s what carries us through — the standards.

“There are obviously a lot of variables in football, but the one thing we can do when we cross the white line as players is hold each other accountable to the highest standard we possibly can.

“I believe that if we do that enough times, then generally that’s what builds successful teams.”

Those comments do not provide a direct answer on McGregor’s long-term future, but they show his immediate focus remains on preparing Celtic for the new campaign.

23rd May 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Final Football, Celtic versus Dunfermline; Celtic interim assistant manager Shaun Maloney and Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrate

He also praised the application of the full group, including the academy players who joined the first-team squad in Portugal.

“The work rate and application from the players have been first class,” McGregor said.

“Even the young ones coming up have done really well. There are some really good players in there, and they are getting to the level required.”

Celtic have not issued a formal statement in response to the speculation around their captain.

Instead, the club have allowed McGregor’s presence, words and prominent role in the away-kit campaign to do the talking.

For now, he remains the captain, the standard-setter within the squad and one of the main faces of Celtic’s preparations for the 2026/27 season.