Celtic handed further Calvin Stengs blow as rival interest surfaces
Celtic are facing an increasingly uphill battle to sign Feyenoord attacking midfielder Calvin Stengs amid fresh interest from Italian outfit Pisa.
Brendan Rodgers’ former club, Leicester City, have already rivalled Celtic’s pursuit of Stengs, who notched one goal and three assists in 12 appearances in the Dutch top flight last term.
Rodgers’ men have enjoyed a strong start to the Scottish Premiership season, earning three wins from three games.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Jamie Vardy is open to a move to the Scottish Premiership amid interest from Celtic.
Celtic face battle for Calvin Stengs from Pisa
Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Stengs could be available for a small fee this summer, as Rodgers’ side prepare a bid for his services.
The Glasgow giants lacked firepower in their 0-0 draw with Kazakhstan Premier League side Kairat Almaty in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on Wednesday, 20 August, and the Feyenoord man would add creativity to their ranks.
However, Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph revealed via X on Tuesday, 26 August: “Pisa are moving quickly to secure the signing of Feyenoord winger Calvin Stengs.
“Gianluca DiMarzio reports the Serie A club are close to agreeing a loan deal, with an option to buy for £6m, for the Netherlands international.”
Brendan Rodgers’ move for Calvin Stengs could hinge on Champions League qualification
Football Insider verdict
Pisa’s interest in Stengs is a worry for Celtic, because the Serie A new boys can offer the 26-year-old the opportunity to play in prestigious fixtures against giants like Juventus and Inter.
| Calvin Stengs stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 16 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 3 |
However, if Rodgers’ side get the better of Kairat Almaty in their second leg on 26 August, they can hand the 26-year-old the chance to play in the Champions League, which could bolster his chances of further selections to the Netherlands national team.
Furthermore, Stengs’ current team, Feyenoord, have already missed out on their chance to play in European club football’s most prestigious competition this term, thanks to a 5-2 defeat to Fenerbahce on 12 August.
The former Nice man could also be tempted by the prospect of helping Celtic defend their Scottish Premiership title, and taking part in Old Firm clashes against fierce rivals Rangers.
However, if Rodgers’ men fail to qualify for the Champions League, he could instead favour a move to Serie A, which is a better quality league than the Scottish Premiership.