Celtic captain Callum McGregor has been linked with a move to Brendan Rodgers’ Al Qadsiah. However, letting a legend depart in January would br unthinkable.
Of course, McGregor’s head could be turned if a lucrative contract were offered his way. The midfielder is now 32 and may see it as a final life-changing payday.
But it would be bizarre to even entertain the notion of losing him midway through a such a fractious season, which is why the club cannot let it happen.
He made his debut in a Champions League qualifier in 2014 and has since cemented himself among the club’s greatest ever players – now third most decorated in history. It’s not only his performances on the pitch that have earned him the greatest respect, but his attitude and influence off of it.
McGregor was given the captain’s armband after the departure of fellow legend Scott Brown in 2021, having already proven significant value to the team. The lows of the 2020/21 season were soon followed by incredible highs, securing his fifth domestic treble under Ange Postecoglou in 2023.
Fast forward to now and McGregor is ever-present in the team. It’s a difficult period for the club having lost four games in a row whilst sitting second in the Premiership, but McGregor’s experience of motivating his teammates will remain a key aspect in any upturn in form.
Losing him now would only spell the downfall for the club during a turbulent season.
When Martin O’Neill came in and steered the club through his successful interim spell, McGregor delivered in big moments. And he’s now trying to guide his teammates through the upheaval under Nancy.
A few weeks ago a 95-minute winner against St Mirren galvanised the travelling support, with the captain visibly showing his winning mentality as he walked over to show his appreciation for their support.
He’s closing in on 550 appearances for the champions. If he were to depart at the end of this campaign, he would do so with the utmost appreciation from the Celtic supporters.
It’s a struggle to even think who the players would turn to if McGregor weren’t in that dressing room. Departures may be likely in the January transfer window, but McGregor simply cannot be one of them.
Keep Reading
