There have been very few campaigns in Celtic’s history that resemble the turmoil of this season.
From missing out on Champions League qualification to the sudden and ruthless departure of Brendan Rodgers in October, the club has lurched from one problem to the next. Even now, uncertainty continues to swirl around Wilfried Nancy, while Rodgers has already moved on, securing a lucrative new role in Saudi Arabia.
For Celtic supporters, the concern doesn’t stop there. With the January transfer window approaching, fears are growing that Rodgers could come knocking for one of the club’s most important figures. The prospect of Callum McGregor leaving mid-season has been described as catastrophic for parts of the fanbase.
When Rodgers left Celtic for Leicester City in 2019, there was widespread belief that he was keen to take McGregor with him. Now installed as Al Qadsiah’s head coach, similar rumours have resurfaced — and former Celtic striker Billy Dodds believes it would spell disaster.
Speaking on Go Radio, Dodds warned that losing the captain in January would be too much for many supporters to stomach.
“Celtic fans must be in absolute panic,” Dodds said. “Look at everything that’s happened this season — it’s been a complete implosion right in front of them.
“There was the Maeda talk, a poor transfer window, the manager leaving, another appointment that hasn’t quite worked, and now imagine Brendan Rodgers returning to take Callum McGregor with him.
“That would finish some Celtic fans. There may come a time for McGregor to move on, but January is absolutely not it.
“Could he be tempted? Possibly. But knowing Callum as a person, I think he’d want to see the season through, try to win the title, and only then consider his future.”
Even beyond January, replacing McGregor would be an enormous challenge. Whether he left in the summer or later, Celtic would struggle to fill the void left behind by their skipper — something former Hoops midfielder Chris Burke made clear.
“Callum McGregor has been unbelievable for Celtic,” Burke said. “He could go down as one of the greatest players ever to wear the shirt.
“You simply can’t replace him. Losing him, especially in January, would be devastating. He’s irreplaceable in that dressing room.”
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