Callum McGregor could be heading for a summer exit from Celtic, according to Frank McAvennie.
McAvennie believes McGregor, who turns 33 in June, could be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia to join Brendan Rodgers for a significant payday, after achieving all he can at Parkhead.
McAvennie said McGregor would go with his blessing, saying he’s been superb. He added that McGregor isn’t getting found out, but he’s just not getting the players around to help him.
McGregor’s Potential Exit and Celtic’s Rebuild
McAvennie reckons McGregor could spearhead an end-of-season clearout. Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate are among those who could move on.
Benjamin Nygren is also attracting big-money interest from clubs across Europe, and McAvennie wouldn’t think twice about cashing in on him.
McAvennie said that if Callum goes, along with Maeda and Hatate, they are big gaps to fill. He referenced reports that Brighton wanted Nygren for £30 million, stating he’d drive him there himself. He added that if you were to get that kind of money for Nygren then brilliant, as long as it gets put back into the team.
Few Players McAvennie Would Keep
McAvennie suggested only a handful of players he would keep around for next season.
He stated KT’s [Kieran Tierney] going to be there. He also likes Viljami Sinisalo, saying he’s done nothing wrong, as well as Alistair Johnston, and Yang’s improved.
McAvennie added that he likes Hatate and thinks he’s one of the best midfielders up here. He also noted that Jota’s going to be there, and you miss his flair, control of the ball, control of the game.
Even [Arne] Engels, he’s become a better player for not playing. All of a sudden people are saying ‘Engels is a player’. But when he comes back in, he showed at the weekend he’s got that bit of class, he’s got that quality that Celtic need.
- Callum McGregor could be tempted to join Brendan Rodgers in Saudi Arabia.
- Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate could also move on.
- Benjamin Nygren is attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
Scott Brown urged punters to get off McGregor’s back and insisted he still has a huge role to play in the years ahead.