Celtic captain Callum McGregor has firmly rejected speculation linking him with a transfer to Al-Qadsiah, a Saudi Arabian club, insisting he is fully committed to leading Celtic back to the top of Scottish football. The 32-year-old midfielder, who has played 555 matches for the club since making his debut in 2014, expressed his determination amid a challenging season for the team.
Celtic currently sits third in the Scottish Premiership, six points behind league leaders Hearts and two points adrift of rivals Rangers. The team recently faced disappointment after losing to Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden Park in December. This season has been tumultuous for Celtic, marked by the resignation of former manager Brendan Rodgers in October and the short tenure of Wilfried Nancy, who lasted just 33 days.
In response to questions about the transfer rumours, McGregor stated, “No, no, I’m here.” He emphasized his commitment to the club, stating, “Even more determined, even more,” reflecting on the challenges the team has faced. He acknowledged the difficulties of the current season, noting that Celtic has grown accustomed to winning but now must demonstrate their desire to succeed.
As a club that has won 10 of the last 11 top-flight titles, Celtic’s recent performance has raised concerns among supporters. McGregor stressed the importance of unity, saying, “It’s tighter probably than potentially what it has been for the last few years, but we have to relish that challenge as well.” He urged everyone associated with the club, including players, staff, and supporters, to work together to rectify their current standing.
The transfer window closes next week, and McGregor is hopeful that the club will secure the reinforcements needed to strengthen the squad. He acknowledged the impact of recent departures, including key forwards Nicolas Kuhn and Kyogo, along with injuries to players such as Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Alistair Johnston. Recent signings, including Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara, who made his debut in the match against Tynecastle, are expected to contribute positively to the team’s performance.
“Obviously, there’s been a big thing made about it (recruitment), this season especially,” McGregor noted. He emphasized the need for continuous improvement and quality additions to the squad. “We do need a little bit of help in terms of quality, in terms of boosting the squad and I’m sure the manager will get the players that we need,” he added.
Celtic’s supporters will be watching closely as the club navigates through this turbulent period, hoping for a return to form that reflects their historical dominance in Scottish football.
