Celtic to miss out on potential transfer windfall after ‘£20m’ update
Celtic could be set to miss out on a potential transfer windfall as Rocco Vata is now considered unlikely to leave Watford in the January transfer window.
Vata decided to part ways with Celtic in 2024, opting to join Watford on a free transfer despite being very highly-rated by the staff at Parkhead.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, there is likely “no chance” that the winger will leave Vicarage Road in January and the Hoops are set to miss out on any potential windfall as a result.
Reports have suggested Watford could demand as much as £20million for Vata if he is to leave in the near future, with Crystal Palace and Fulham among his suitors.
While it has not been confirmed whether Celtic would be owed a future windfall of his fee, FIFA rules state the club will receive a percentage of future fees players trained in the academy.
Celtic unlikely to land Rocco Vata windfall after Watford news
Football Insider revealed on 5 December that Crystal Palace will not sign Vata in January as he is currently recovering from a long-term injury blow.
The former Celtic sensation picked up a hamstring injury against Middlesbrough last month and is facing months on the sidelines, ending any speculation over his future.
As a result, he looks set to remain with the Hornets at least until the end of the season, and Celtic may end up missing out on a potential windfall as a result.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “There’s no chance he’s going to leave in January.
“He’s out injured until late January so I don’t see any club paying that type of money for Rocco Vata as he just returns from a long-term injury so nothing’s going to happen in January.
“But he’s a talented young player, and he was very highly thought of and highly rated at Celtic, so they were sad to see him go.
“Watford have big plans for him, they don’t want to lose him either, he’s under contract until 2028.
“If there is Premier League interest in him, Watford will look to get as much as they possibly can from him, but it’s not something that will happen in January.”
Celtic set for separate windfall amid Matt O’Riley speculation
Despite looking set to miss out on a financial boost from Vata’s sale, record sale Matt O’Riley could land them a significant boost to their transfer kitty.
Football Insider revealed on 2 December that Celtic will receive ten per cent of O’Riley’s future sale, with a permanent move to Marseille now edging closer.
The Hoops are hoping they could receive a boost of as much as £2million, which would be reinvested into the squad as part of Wilfried Nancy’s war chest.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Brighton are willing to cash in on O’Riley following the success of his loan spell at Marseille, and a deal could be done in January.
Roberto De Zerbi is a big fan of the Dane and it seems to be only a matter of time until the number 17 becomes a permanent star at the Orange Velodrome.
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