Rodgers’ Saudi Move Sparks Speculation Over McGregor and Another Celtic Exit
Celtic face fresh uncertainty as Rodgers reunion links emerge and backroom exit rumoured
Celtic’s turbulent season has taken another twist as reports link former manager Brendan Rodgers with moves for two key figures at Parkhead, while pressure continues to mount on current head coach Wilfried Nancy after a historically poor run of results.
Martin O’Neill was appointed on an interim basis and initially steadied the ship, delivering improved results and restoring a degree of calm. However, despite that upturn, Celtic opted to move in a different direction, appointing Wilfried Nancy as permanent head coach.
Since Nancy’s arrival, results have sharply deteriorated. Four consecutive defeats have followed an unprecedented start for a Celtic manager in the modern era and confidence around the club has been badly shaken. The sense that significant change may be imminent has only intensified in recent days.
Rodgers eyes Celtic reunion in Saudi Arabia
Rodgers has now embarked on a new chapter of his career, taking charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah. It is his first managerial role outside the United Kingdom, and one that reflects the growing ambition and financial power of the Saudi game.
Al-Qadsiah, who were promoted to the top flight only last season, are understood to have aspirations of challenging for major domestic and continental honours. According to reports, Rodgers is keen to bring familiar faces with him as he looks to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
The Scottish Sun has claimed that Celtic captain Callum McGregor is among the players Rodgers would like to reunite with in Saudi Arabia. Such a move would be seismic. McGregor is synonymous with Celtic, having come through the academy and worn the armband for several seasons.
The midfielder is under contract until 2028, and Celtic would be expected to resist any approach fiercely. For many supporters, the idea of McGregor leaving Parkhead remains almost unthinkable.
However, Celtic’s current struggles have inevitably fuelled speculation. With uncertainty surrounding the direction of the team under Nancy, questions are being asked about the long-term futures of even the club’s most established figures.
Backroom staff also under scrutiny
McGregor is not the only long-serving Celtic figure to be linked with a possible exit.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, journalist Mark Guidi suggested that the recent 2–1 defeat to Dundee United could prove to be goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods’ final match at the club. Woods has been a fixture at Celtic for close to two decades, working under multiple managers and earning a reputation as a trusted and influential backroom presence.
Guidi claimed there is tension between Woods and Nancy, with the pair not seeing eye-to-eye. If Woods were to leave, it would represent another significant departure in a season already defined by upheaval.
Given Woods’ long-standing relationship with Rodgers and assistant John Kennedy, speculation has grown that he could follow the former Celtic manager to the Middle East should he depart Parkhead.
Nancy plays down speculation
Rumours surrounding Woods first surfaced ahead of the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren. When asked directly about the situation, Nancy moved to dismiss the talk.
“No, he’s here,” Nancy said at the time. “He trained with us, he’s committed to what he does, so this is the most important.”
Despite those assurances, cameras appeared to capture a moment of miscommunication involving Woods, Nancy and defender Kieran Tierney during the final an incident that raised eyebrows and prompted further discussion about the state of relationships behind the scenes.
With Rodgers gone, results faltering, and questions being asked of both players and staff, Celtic find themselves at a crossroads. Whether Nancy can arrest the slide and restore belief remains to be seen, but for now, speculation and uncertainty continue to swirl around Parkhead.
