Callum McGregor's Future at Celtic: From Captain to Coach
Callum McGregor has spent a decade running Celtic’s midfield. Martin O’Neill now sees him running the entire club.
The former Celtic manager has backed the 33-year-old captain as a future boss at Parkhead, after McGregor ended any immediate doubt over his future by telling chief executive Michael Nicholson he is happy to stay with the Scottish champions despite interest from Saudi Arabia.
For a support still haunted by memories of key figures drifting away at their peak, the message matters. McGregor is not agitating for a move. He has spoken with the hierarchy, weighed up the noise around a lucrative switch abroad, and chosen to remain the on-field heartbeat of a side chasing more domestic dominance and European credibility.
O’Neill, who knows exactly what it takes to handle the heat of the Celtic dugout, believes McGregor has the temperament and intelligence to make that transition from captain to coach when the time comes. The armband, in his eyes, is only the start.
Celtic hold their line in the market
While McGregor stays put, Celtic’s stance in the market has been firm. Osasuna tested their resolve over Kieran Tierney, but the Scottish champions rejected the approach for the 29-year-old Scotland left-back as they weigh up his value and role.
On the wings, the picture is more complex. Frosinone have turned down an opening offer of around £6m for Algeria international Fares Ghedjemis. The Serie A club want to keep the 23-year-old, yet talks remain alive as Celtic probe whether there is a deal to be done for a player also linked with Rangers.
The midfield rebuild continues to dominate the recruitment agenda. Celtic are preparing an improved, structured package worth around £5m for Paderborn’s 22-year-old playmaker Mika Baur, with the player still pushing for a move to Glasgow. The tug-of-war is clear: ambition from the player, resistance from his club.
Not everyone in Germany is convinced he is heading out. A separate report has Paderborn rejecting a £4m bid and head coach Ralf Kettemann telling local outlet NW Sport he expects Baur to stay. For Celtic, that means either finding the number that changes minds or walking away.
On the flanks, Real Oviedo have knocked back an offer of roughly £6.2m from Lens for Haissem Hassan, a winger also linked with Celtic. The Spanish club’s refusal underlines how inflated the market has become for wide players with pace and end product. Anyone shopping in that aisle needs deep pockets and patience.
Rangers re-route as Hull move fast
Across the city, Rangers’ plans have taken a twist in the chase for Jens Hjerto-Dahl. Hull City are set to beat both Rangers and Cardiff City to the 20-year-old Tromso midfielder, with the Championship side emerging as front-runners after Rangers withdrew from the race.
It’s a rare instance of Rangers stepping back while an English club steps in, a reminder that even for Glasgow’s big two, financial muscle from south of the border can quickly alter a negotiation.
Rangers have also held discussions with Brighton & Hove Albion over 21-year-old winger Amario Cozier-Duberry. Brighton have already rejected a £5m bid from Anderlecht and are in no hurry to sell, leaving Rangers to decide whether to push harder or look elsewhere for the injection of pace and creativity they need out wide.
Young Scots on the move
Scottish talent continues to draw attention down south and on the continent. Brighton & Hove Albion have agreed a fee with Manchester City for 17-year-old winger Mason Stephens, who is expected to sign a three-year contract. Another young wide player leaves one elite academy for another, with the Premier League conveyor belt showing no sign of slowing.
In League One, Notts County have expressed an interest in Northampton Town’s 25-year-old Scottish midfielder Dean Campbell, with the club among several suitors tracking him. Campbell’s next move could shape a key stage of his career, as he looks to convert promise into consistency.
St Mirren, meanwhile, are holding their position. Despite speculation around 24-year-old midfielder Killian Phillips, the Paisley club insist they have received no contact from any other side. For now, Phillips remains central to their plans rather than a cash asset to be cashed in.
Loans, setbacks and sliding doors
Mikey Moore, the 18-year-old winger who spent last season with Rangers, is edging towards another move. Cologne are favourites to land him on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, with talks at an advanced stage amid interest from several clubs. The Bundesliga has become a proven proving ground for British youngsters; Moore could be the next to test himself there.
Not every potential windfall is going to land. St Johnstone’s hopes of banking a significant sell-on fee for Adama Sidibeh have taken a hit after the Stockport County striker picked up a hamstring injury. He had been tipped for a £1.5m transfer amid Championship interest, but any serious move now likely pauses while clubs reassess risk and timing.
In a summer of noise, speculation and shifting targets, one constant stands out. Callum McGregor, Celtic’s captain and standard-bearer, has nailed his colours to the mast for the foreseeable future.
The real intrigue now is whether his long-term future at Celtic Park ends with a whistle around his neck rather than a captain’s armband on his sleeve.
