Lennon Miller has been talked about for months as someone who would suit Celtic’s midfield. His performances for Motherwell and Scotland have impressed many, and it’s expected he’ll leave Fir Park this summer.
But there’s growing doubt over whether the midfielder would actually choose a move to Glasgow. While Celtic are clearly interested, it looks like Miller could head abroad instead. There’s already been reported interest from clubs in Serie A and the Bundesliga, and English Premier League new boys Sunderland have also been named as a potential destination.
Former Motherwell striker Ross McCormack shared his thoughts. He said he believes Miller would suit Celtic’s midfield, but added that the signs he’s hearing suggest the youngster is leaning towards a move outside Scotland.
McCormack pointed out that some of Miller’s international team-mates are enjoying success overseas. He thinks Miller might want to follow a similar path, away from the pressures that come with playing in Glasgow.
He said: (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), “I’ve said it for quite a while that I think he would be perfect in Celtic’s midfield.
“But from all the noises that I have heard – sort of people who are in and around Motherwell and all that – seems to be that he is going to be going abroad.
“To be honest with you, it is hard to blame the kid. When he sees the success your Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour’s are having over in Serie A, he might just want a piece of that and sort of get out of the limelight which Glasgow would bring.
“For me, he would be absolutely tremendous for Celtic. No player can go to any club in the world and be guaranteed to start. That is just impossible and doesn’t happen.
“But what he will be looking at – and what John said [caller] is the big, big problem for Celtic if they do want him.
“[Reo] Hatate is in there and is one of their most influential players when he is at it. Callum McGregor is the captain and the other one is Arne Engels. And by the way I would favour Lennon Miller over, but they paid £11million for him. So is he going to get into that midfield right away? Probably not.
“I think that is the reason why Lennon Miller would not choose Celtic.”
McCormack’s comments highlight a key issue for Celtic, the midfield is already packed with talent. With Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, and Arne Engels all fighting for places, it would be difficult for any new player, especially a teenager, to walk straight into the starting eleven.
At the same time, the success of other Scots abroad could be a big pull. Playing regular football in a strong European league, without the pressure of the Scottish spotlight, could help Miller develop faster.
Celtic might still try to bring him in, but they’d have to convince him that he’d get the chance to play. Otherwise, he could be tempted by the path others have taken and head for Italy instead.
For now, the ball is in Miller’s court, and the noise seems to be pointing away from Glasgow.
