Celtic’s Callum McGregor will not be linking up with Brendan Rodgers in Saudi Arabia this summer after speculation over a move to Al Qadsiah gathered pace in recent weeks.
The Celtic captain had been mentioned as a potential target for Rodgers’ side, particularly after McGregor switched to the same management agency, Unique Sports Group, as the former Celtic boss. That change fuelled talk of a reunion, with Rodgers now in charge in the Saudi Pro League.
A move, however, is off the table this summer.
According to The Celtic Way, Al Qadsiah have already filled their allocation of foreign players. Saudi Pro League clubs are permitted a maximum of 10 non-native players in their squad, leaving no room for McGregor unless there are departures before the window closes.
That effectively ends the prospect of the Celtic skipper making that switch during the current transfer window.
For Celtic, it removes one piece of uncertainty heading into the new campaign. McGregor remains the heartbeat of the side and is under contract until the summer of 2028, leaving the Scottish champions in a strong position.
There has been little to suggest publicly that the midfielder has been looking for a move away from Glasgow either.
The captain also spoke about ‘building something special’ under O’Neill, comments that were viewed as his clearest indication yet that his focus remains firmly on Celtic.
While links with Saudi Arabia were always likely to attract attention given Rodgers’ presence at Al Qadsiah, the practical reality of the league’s foreign player regulations means there is no deal to be done this summer.
Transfer speculation surrounding experienced Celtic players is unlikely to disappear any time soon, particularly with clubs across the Middle East continuing to look towards Europe for proven talent. In McGregor’s case, though, the situation appears straightforward.
With Al Qadsiah unable to add another foreign player and the midfielder under contract for at least another two years, Celtic can prepare for the new season expecting their captain to remain exactly where he is, leading the side from the middle of the park.
