LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Leicester City looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City at Anfield on October 05, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Al-Qadsiah boss Brendan Rodgers has identified an experienced foreign midfielder as a priority signing target for his squad this summer transfer window.
Reports from Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiyah indicate that Rodgers and club management have submitted a shopping list that fits the profile of Celtic skipper Callum McGregor.
The Saudi Pro League side is said to be “reviewing several available players” as it looks to build a squad capable of challenging for the title next season.
Rodgers previously attempted to sign the 32-year-old during his time at Leicester City back in 2019, meaning this would represent a second attempt to lure the midfielder away from Celtic.
Celtic are expected to fight hard to retain McGregor if a serious offer arrives, with the midfielder still having two years remaining on his contract at Parkhead.
McGregor himself has attempted to cool speculation surrounding his future in recent months, though the emerging Saudi interest could quickly reignite transfer talk.
Al-Qadsiah’s considerable financial backing gives Rodgers a far stronger hand than he held during his Leicester days, making a genuinely ambitious bid a realistic prospect.
Former Celtic star Charlie Mulgrew believes a McGregor departure could trigger a significant summer exodus from the club, speaking to Boyle Sports to outline his concerns.
Mulgrew said: “I think that Daizen Maeda will be one that will be away.”
He added: “I’d imagine, I think Arne Engels, having had a big offer from Forest in January, and he stayed. I think that he may have been told that if he waits until summer, he can then go.”
Mulgrew also noted that Benjamin Nygren’s goalscoring exploits would naturally attract attention, though he suggested the striker might remain for another year.
He said: “There’s a lot that needs to be done itself. They need to really get moving with all that stuff, but as we know, it doesn’t happen overnight.”
The potential loss of several key figures would present Celtic with a major rebuilding challenge ahead of the new domestic and European campaign.
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